August 18, 2014 by The Nation

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Waiver request for Ribadu splits PDP

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NEWS Pages 4&9

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VOL. 9, NO. 2942 MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Council seeks N160b yearly for power transmission

HE National Council on Power (NACOP) is seeking N160 billion yearly to fund the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to achieve a cost reflective tariff. This is part of its recommendations during its conference last week in Abuja. The council includes stakeholders from the op-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

erators, state governments, commissioners, Federal Ministry of Power and agencies in the sector. According to NACOP, 75 per cent of the fund should be set aside for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). The council said: “ Until such a time that a cost reflective tariff is established and 90 per cent or greater of an-

nual earned market revenue is received, it should be ensured that annual funding provided for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from market, appropriations sources is not less than N160billion, with 75 per cent fund earmarked for Capital Expenditure ( CAPEX.).” NACOP said until such a time when appropriations are required to fund the

TCN, employee salary, employee benefits and critical business infrastructure needs should be funded from appropriations on a prorata basis, based on the previous year’s earned market revenue shortage percentage. It set a target of 6,500Mega Watts (MW) by the end of the year. The council also recomContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: LAGOS MOTORISTS BEMOAN ATTACKS P11 ONDO PLANS CREMATION LAW P5

Our battle against Ebola virus outbreak, by Fashola •SEE ALSO PAGES 2-5&55

29 patients escape as gunmen attack Ebola camp in Liberia

By Precious Igbonwelundu

HERE is no Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday. In a broadcast on the disease, Fashola said though the state had suffered painful loss of lives, the situation was not an epidemic as being alleged because “all those who have either died or are suffering from Ebola are directly traceable” to the Liberian EVD importer, Patrick Sawyer. He said 61 contacts were cleared last week after the 21 days surveillance, which is the known lifespan of the virus. “These people were not sick. They were persons who needed to be monitored because of real or suspected contacts to be certain that they did not eventually fall sick. We cautiously wait to see how many more people will be cleared and hope that there will be no new cases. “Nevertheless, our strategy is to prepare for the worst by making plans to expand the facility to take any new cases, while we hope for the best. There is a lot to do, and we need your collaboration to remain focused on containment and treatment”, Fashola said. He also debunked claims that Ebola victims were being neglected, adding that the state did not reject any useful drug; neither is there fund shortage. Fashola said victims were receiving the best care as recommended by experts, urging med-

Continued on page 4

INSIDE

•Nigerian causes Ebola scare in Spain •UK varsities on alert WHERE ARE •Economics of EVD THE CHIBOK •Medical experts GIRLS KIDNAPPED caution airport staff ON APRIL 15?

AGES 2-5&55 •AND MORE ON P PA

•Catholic faithful at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Odokekere in Ikorodu, Lagos State, present their palms to receive Holy Communion from Rev. Fr. Peter Azagba, following a directive by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to curtail further spread and transmission of the Ebola virus…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

The challenge of managing the Ebola virus is big but our resolve to contain and defeat it is bigger. That resolve is demonstrated by the courage shown by the first set of health workers at state and federal levels who stood up to be counted... —Governor

•CITYBEAT P10 •SPORTS P23 •JOBS P32 •CEO P34 •MOTORING P38 •POLITICS P45

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

Economics o •From left: Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Mr Peter Bankole, Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, Head Business Segment, Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr.Bidemi Ladipo and Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Bature Masari during the Etisalat sponsored Market Access Nigeria in Abuja.

International rating agency Moody’s has warned that besides the death toll, the outbreak will cause “critical commercial and transport disruptions” in the affected West African countries, leading to “significant” economic and fiscal damage, writes CBC News

I •From left: Senior Brand Manager , Gulder, Onyeka Okoli, Marketing Manager, Gulder, Legend & Life, Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Director, Walter Drenth and Creative Director, Insight Communications Ltd, Chima Okeniukpe at the third day of Gulder Ultimate Search 11 regional selection exercise in Lagos... at the weekend.

N the world of business, there is a saying that markets are driven by fear and greed. As shares in drug companies surge, the Ebola virus has already unleashed the power of greed. And as we watch the coverage of the disease move into what many commentators have labeled irrational hysteria, some people are finding ways to tap the power of fear. Joel Kettner of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases in Winnipeg says that when it comes to infectious diseases, fear is not clearly good or clearly bad.

“It can be both,” he says.

•Renowned accountant, Chief Akintola Williams and Fashion designer, Ms. Patience Torlowei at the Diamond Womansponsored farewell reception of ''Lady Esther''(left), the winning fashion piece, that has been nominated to be displayed permanently in the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts, Washington DC, United States.

Most medical experts say Ebola’s contagion in the global consciousness has outgrown the disease’s actual risk. One of the people pointing that out is Seth Berkley, head of the GAVI Alliance, a group that promotes developing world health through vaccination. “It starts with familiar flu-like symptoms,” he wrote on the BBC Health site. “But within days this can quickly descend into something more exotic and frightening: Vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by bleeding from the gums, the nose and gastrointestinal tract.” But the disease Berkley is describing is not Ebola but Dengue shock syndrome. Caused by a mosquitoborne disease, the latter kills about 20 times more people worldwide every year than the confirmed death toll from the current Ebola outbreak (although the numbers are changing constantly). Despite the wall-to-wall coverage of Ebola as the latest terrifying plague, its ranking in the death pecking order is negligible. Latest estimates from the World Health Organisation show that, for example, between one and two million people die of AIDS every year.

Fear as motivator

•From left: Airspace Manager, Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), Mr.Aderemi Olajire discussing with the agency’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam during a Breakfast Meeting with League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) at Ikeja, Lagos. With them is the agency’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Supo Atobatele.

According to Berkley, the reason the developed world fears Ebola despite its low risk of spread in the developed world is that the idea of an untreatable disease is foreign to us and stimulates long-forgotten fears. There is no doubt some truth in Berkley’s analysis, but as a participant and a critic of the influence of media on our lives, I don’t think we can absolve the people in my business. During the quiet summer

•Proposed Isolation Ward for the treatment Ebola at the Kuje General Hospital, Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

news cycle, the news media are partly implicated in stimulating a disproportionate horror of Ebola, just as they did with H1N1 and SARS. Unlike many other commentators, however, I think this could be a good thing. And with some reservations, Joel Kettner agrees. Fear is motivating, he says. Certainly, in parts of West Africa where the disease is spreading, fear – of hospitals, of western medicine, of neighbours — is part of the problem. Fear is closing borders, shutting down trade, seriously damaging local and national economies. Liberian Finance Minister Amara Konneh recently said due to the Ebola outbreak, the country’s growth forecast “is no longer realistic.” International rating agency Moody’s has warned that besides the death toll, the outbreak will cause “critical commercial and transport disruptions” in the affected West African countries, leading to “significant” economic and fiscal damage. Fear can also help the disease spread. The frantic urge to escape areas where the Ebola virus is present can make it worse. “You’re not leaving the risk behind,” says Kettner. “You’re just carrying it to another location.” As a result, Kettner says there is a “reasonable expectation” that people will arrive in Canada or other developed countries who may have been exposed to the virus and won’t get sick until after their return. Fear of that happening is already prompting Canadian health authorities to dust off their preparedness skills, which were learned during the SARS crisis. Kettner also observes that global media fears and a sense of crisis have awakened new interest in companies and agencies working on cures and vaccines. Although its shares have fallen from their highs earlier this week, Canada’s Tekmira Pharmaceuticals gathered worldwide attention and credibility for its experimental Ebola drug. Despite a rollercoaster ride on the market, Tekmira’s shares are still worth nearly twice as much as they were a month ago, giving the company better access to capital to do its work. And Tekmira is not alone. Suddenly, investors are also interested in BioCryst, MAP BioPharma and others because of their “race to combat Ebola.”

The upside of panic In an article ostensibly telling us to beware trading in Ebola virus stocks, Turney Duff, a former Wall

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 20134

NEWS

cs of Ebola Virus outbreak ‘

In an article ostensibly telling us to beware trading in Ebola virus stocks, Turney Duff, a former Wall Street trader and author of The Buy Side, actually gives instructions on how to profit from health scares

•Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

Medical experts caution airport workers

EDICAL experts in the aviation sector have said the panic associated with Ebola Virus Disease is more dangerous than the disease itself. They urged airport workers and passengers to comply with measures rolled out by the authorities to contain the spread of the disease. The medical experts spoke at a sensitisation seminar on Ebola organised by the Women in Aviation at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos at the weekend. Speaking at the forum, the Acting General Manager, Aviation Clinic, Dr Olawale Oduwole, said since the outbreak of the disease, Nigerians have been taking steps to ensure that they don’t contact the Ebola Virus Disease. He said Nigerians were taking extra caution because of the deadly nature of the disease, which kills its victims at a short period. In his view, the panic associated with the disease is much more dangerous than the Ebola virus itself. Oduwole said that because of the outbreak of EVD, people no longer talk about malaria, which, according to him, kills over 1000 people daily. He said: “Malaria kills over 1000 people daily, yet we are not talking about it. We talk about Ebola because we know that Ebola is very dangerous and because the chances of the victim of the Ebola virus I surviving is very slim.” An official of the Nigerian Civil Aviation AuStreet trader and author of The Buy Side, actually gives instructions on how to profit from health scares. “The last thing you want to do when news breaks is try to find the right stocks to trade,” Duff wrote on CNBC.com. “Back when I was a health-care trader and the SARS virus had the world’s attention, we broke down every sector to see how it could be impacted.” Pharmaceutical companies – and those that invest in them – can ben-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

thority (NCAA), Dr Wilfred Haggai, said the agency issued directives to airlines on the measures to ensure that carriers of the virus are not brought into the country. There are penalties for disobeying the directive. Some airlines have been penalised. Haggai advised participants at the seminar to sensitise their friends, neighbours, church members, colleagues and enemies on the disease to further create awareness about it. President of Women in Aviation Mrs Rejoice Ndudinachi said the group decided to embark on the sensitisation seminar due to the dangerous nature of the disease that has killed over 1000 people globally. An official of the Public Health Consultant, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Dr Esther Omokhuede, described Ebola as an emerging disease. He advised that because of the deadly nature of the disease and coupled with the fact that it has no vaccine and no specific treatment, Nigerians must be cautious by ensuring that they observe a high level of personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water thoroughly frequently, especially when they visit the sick or when they come in contact with body secretions of such persons. When there is no soap or water, a sanitiser must be used. The virus can survive in semen for 61 days. Omokhuede called for the stoppage of the consumption of raw meat and bush meat, to curb the spread of the disease.

efit from outbreaks by creating and selling drugs to fight diseases. While critics of the pharmaceutical industry may fulminate against the ethics of profiting from poverty and disease, the fact is, the wave of fear over Ebola means the virus is punching far above its weight compared to other developing country diseases. After all, the pharmaceutical industry is notorious for ignoring diseases of the developing world because poor people can’t

pay for expensive drugs. But the Ebola scare has actually helped focus minds – and financial resources – on creating treatments that, in a commercial sense, might not justify their development costs. Respiratory illness, for instance, kills more than a thousand times more people than Ebola. A recent recurrence of one of those respiratory diseases — H1N1, or swine flu — that swept through Canada in 2009 reminds Kettner of

another advantage of the fear of disease and the attention it brings. “We became aware that the population of First Nations and other aboriginal people, especially those living in remote and northern communities, appeared to be at higher risk for getting severe [cases of the] disease,” says Kettner. He said fear in those communities “was a motivation for focusing on the health needs... and quality of health care in those communities.”

Opportunities to improve health care Fear of a new disease is not irrational. Diseases mutate. And while Ebola is not a perfect candidate, epidemiologists know there is a chance that some new strain of bug will ride our integrated transportation system to sweep the world like a modern Black Death. That would be a personal problem for many of us, but it would also be a very big economic problem. Kettner observes that the main causes of disease outbreaks that could spread around the world are not germs, but poverty and poor health care. “What I hope will happen from the fear that is generated from the Ebola virus is that there will be more attention paid to the health needs of the communities that are at risk,” he says. After years of civil war, with poverty, few doctors and abysmal education levels, the people in the worst affected areas of West Africa are poorly equipped to save themselves from a disease like Ebola. Maybe it is a good thing for those of us in the developed world to be afraid, to buy into the current hysteria. Because if we don’t commit the resources to stop the outbreak there, maybe, just maybe, Ebola will soon be coming for you.

UK varsities on alert as intakes arrive from Nigeria, others

NIVERSITIES in the UK have been put on alert to be ready for a potential outbreak of the Ebola virus when the new term starts in September. Universities UK, the umbrella body that represents vice-chancellors, has written to every university giving detailed guidance on how to deal with an outbreak. The decision was made to send out the guidance because universities are expecting thousands of new students to arrive from West Africa. While the three countries which have seen the largest number of Ebola cases – Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone – have hardly any students enrolling at UK universities, Nigeria – which has had confirmed cases – is the fourth largest supplier of international students to UK

universities. In 2012-13, the latest year for which figures are available, a total of 9,630 were enrolled. A spokesman for Universities UK said: “The issue is very much on universities’ radars. We circulated to universities the publicly available guidance on the topic.” The guidance makes it clear that anyone suspected of having Ebola should immediately be isolated in a side room away from any staff or student contact. “The side room should have dedicated ensuite facilities or at least a dedicated commode,” it says. “The level of staff protection is dependent on the patient’s condition.” Those having any dealings with the patient must take careful hand hygiene precautions, wearing

double gloves and a disposable visor. The guidance reassures university staff: “Evidence from outbreaks strongly indicates that the main routes of transmission of infection are direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membrane) and indirect contact with environments contaminated with splashes or droplets of blood or body fluids. “Experts agree that there is no circumstantial or epidemiological evidence of an aerosol transmission risk from patients.” So far, there have been more than 1,060 deaths and 1,975 confirmed sufferers, but the World Health Organisation warns that the crisis is likely to continue for months. The outbreak was first identified in March in Guinea.

‘

Nigerian causes Ebola scare in Spanish town A NIGERIAN man was yesterday at the centre of an Ebola health scare on the Spanish Costas, which contains an estimated British population of more than 82,000. The immigrant was tested for the deadly virus after going to a hospital in Alicante with the telltale signs of the disease. The result came out negative. Bosses at San Juan Hospital suspected he might have Ebola and said he was being kept in isolation until the results of the tests were known. The unnamed man, who is in his thirties and has been in Nigeria recently, was admitted after seeking medical attention on Saturday night accompanied by his sister. Hospital bosses activated the Ebola protocol after he complained of the flu-like symptoms associated with the onset of the virus and was seen by doctors. Paramedics wearing protective suits and masks transferred him from Alicante General Hospital to nearby San Juan. Speaking before the result turned out negative, a spokesman for the local health authority confirmed: “At the moment there is a suspicion he may have contacted Ebola and that’s why the the protocol against the virus has been activated. “We have to wait now for the results of the tests to know whether we are dealing with a confirmed case or not.” The tests were carried out at Madrid’s Carlos III Hospital where Spanish priest Miguel Pajares lost his fight against the disease. Missionary worker Mr Pajares, 75, had been flown back to Spain and given experimental drug ZMapp after catching Ebola at a hospital in Liberia, west Africa, where he was working. He was the first person in Europe to die from the deadly virus, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) says has now claimed 1,145 lives. The current epidemic began in Guinea in February and has since spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres has said it believes the outbreak will take at least six months to bring under control. Meanwhile, UK universities have been warned of the dangers posed by Ebola as they gear up to welcome thousands of students from West Africa.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

Waiver request for Ribadu splits PDP

T •Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed displaying his voter card at Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area...at the weekend

HERE is tension in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over a waiver request for a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, ex-Military Administrator of Lagos State Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa and former governorship aspirant Mr. Marcus Gundiri. The waiver will enable Ribadu, who obtained his membership of the party on Saturday, and the others to collect the party’s governorship nomination form, which closes tomorrow. Ribadu’s waiver request has split the National Working Committee of the party and created a wedge between the Adamawa State chapter and the National Secretariat. The Adamawa State chapter is demanding a written request to it by the National Secretariat for waiver for Ribadu. The state chapter insists that the waiver should cover Gen.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Marwa and Mr. Gundiri to create a level-playing field for all. According to sources, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, through an emissary on Saturday, asked the state chapter of the party to request for a waiver for Ribadu. But State Chairman Chief Joel Madaki convened an emergency session of the State Executive Committee(SEC) where it was decided that it would not recommend any aspirant for a waiver - in line with Section 8(a and b) of the PDP Constitutiom. Although the SEC acknowledged Ribadu’s letter to join PDP, it insisted on substantial compliance with the PDP Constitution. It alleged that it had it on records that someone collected a membership card for Ribadu, contrary to the laid down regulations of the party. Continued on page 55

29 Ebola patients escape after attack

Our battle against Ebola outbreak, by Fashola Continued from page 1

ical volunteers willing to fight the cause to sign up and present themselves for training. “I wish to state very categorically that none of these is true. What is true is that we should perhaps never have been in this situation, but we are now in it. What is true is that the Ebola virus did not break out from within Nigeria, it was imported into Nigeria. “What is true is that we have followed all the contacts that we know who have had primary and secondary contacts with the patient who import-

ed the virus into our state, or with people who had contact with him. “Because we had to react to an unexpected situation, we had to react in a proper and methodical way, according to acceptable global health standards. “I can now tell you that in the last one week, with the help and advice of our technical partners, such as the World Health Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control and the Medecins Sans Frontiers, who have tracked this virus and studied it for decades, our response is a lot better than when the news first broke; and our

capacity is increasing daily. “Although we have suffered very painful losses of lives, I think it is fair to say that we are not yet at an epidemic stage and we are determined to do everything not to get to that stage; because of the grave consequences to the safety of human lives,” said Fashola. Fashola said the discovery of EVD in the state posed a threat to the primary purpose of his administration, which is to secure lives. He described the situation as the biggest challenge to public health. He said he had been engaged in meetings daily with various stakeholders on the progress

made by the government and the need for caution, adding that with news of complete recovery of a Nigerian doctor confirmed to have contracted the virus, the case of unknown origin had been eliminated. “My view of the fact that we are gaining control is informed by verifiable facts that I receive daily from our health workers that all the cases of those who have either unfortunately died, or those who are sick, and those who are contacts under surveillance are directly traceable to the imported case. “The challenge of managing

couragement of the development of small scale power plants as embedded generations which can be increased to evacuate the 132kV for eventual ceding to distribution companies. It recommended that the Federal Government should encourage manufacturing of power assets and components.

NACOP urged state governments to take stakes in Independent Power Projects ( IPPs). It recommended that the Federal Government should bank securitisation either through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) or the Federal Ministry of Finance. The council urged state government to make land with cer-

tificates -of -occupancy readily available to potential investors as incentive. NACOP sought a robust development plan from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a commercial gas rate to attract investors. It urged the signing of Gas Security Agreements and Gas

Continued on page 55

Council seeks N160b annually for power transmission Continued from page 1

mended a medium term target

for transmission capacity and capability of 12,000MW and 10,000MW by the end of 2016. NACOP also urged the development of a bankable coal to power study to minimize in coal plant development. The council sought the en-

Continued on page 55

RMED men attacked an Ebola isolation ward in the Liberian capital Monrovia Saturday night, prompting 29 patients to flee the facility, witnesses said yesterday. “They broke down the doors and looted the place. The patients all fled,” said Rebecca Wesseh, who witnessed the attack and whose report was confirmed by residents and the head of Health Workers Association

of Liberian, George Williams. The Kenyan government at the weekend said it would bar passengers travelling from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. The suspension is effective midnight tomorrow for all ports of entry for people travelling from or through the countries, said Kenya’s Health Ministry. Nigeria was not included in the ban, which also allows entry to health professionals and Kenyans returning from those countries.

Nigerian’s death on board flight to India sparks Ebola scare

NIGERIAN woman, 35, died while traveling from Nigeria to India for medical treatment of advanced metastatic cancer. The woman showed signs consistent with the Ebola virus, according to the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, who announced the death yesterday. During the transit phase at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the patient’s health deteriorated and despite prompt medical assistance she could not be successfully resuscitated, HAAD said in a statement. ‘’Full safety and precautionary

measures have been taken by the medical staff who attended the patient, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for dealing with suspected cases of infectious diseases,’’ the statement added. The woman’s husband, the only person sitting next to her on the plane, and five medics who resuscitated her, are in isolation pending the result of Ebola testing on the patient. They are all well with no symptoms, HAAD said. The ministry of health would like to assure the public that there is no risk to the community, and that fellow passengers on the plane from Nigeria and in the airport were not at risk.

APC slams lawmakers’ insistence on Al-Makura’s sack

UGE cash is being deployed in an illegal battle to remove Nasarawa Governor Tanko AlMakura, the All Progressives Party (APC) alleged yesterday. The APC did not state who was offering the cash, but it condemned the “role” of the Presidency in the matter. The Chief Judge has set up a seven-man panel which probed the House’s allegations against the governor, who came out clean. But there is a renewed plan by the House to impeach Al-Makura, This is against the Constitution, the party said. In a statement in Ilorin by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it would amount to an illegality for the lawmakers to draft a pliant Vacation Judge, as it has been reported, to set up another panel to probe the 16 allegations over which the governor had been absolved of any wrongdoing. It said the Constitution is clear that only the Chief Judge can set up such a panel, upon receiving a request from the Speaker of the House of Assembly, hence any attempt to draft a Vacation Judge to set up another panel will mean working against the spirit and letter of the same Constitution that gave the legisla-

Vacation Judge can’t set up panel, says Falana

AGOS lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has said that a vacation judge does not have any power to set up an impeachment panel. In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Falana said it is wrong and a violation of the law for the leadership of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to direct a vacation judge to set up a new panel to investigate Governor Tanko Al-Makura. According to him, “it is ultra vires, illegal and unconstitutional on the part of a vacation judge to usurp the powers of the chief judge by setting up an impeachment panel. He stressed that only the Chief Judge of a state, and no other judge, is permitted to set up an impeachment panel under the Constiution. The activist recalled that the seven-member panel set up by the chief judge of ture the impeachment power in the first instance. APC also said Al-Makura could not be impeached on the basis of the allegations, noting that if indeed the lawmakers want to follow the Constitution, they will have to find a new set of offences against the Governor, notify him and then send their request to the Chief Judge, not to a Vacation Judge. ‘’That this latest move by the legislators, who are now ma-

By Adebisi Onanuga

Nasarawa state to investigate the allegations of impeachable offences levelled against Governor Tanko Al-Makura has concuded its assignment. “Since the House of Assembly ignored the directive of the panel to substantiate the allegations against the governor, the panel dismissed them.”Once the governor has been exonerated by the impeachment panel no further proceedings shall arise from the allegations by virtue of section 188(8) of the Constitution. “However, completely dissatisfied with the clean bill of health given to Governor Al-Makura by the impeachment panel, the House of Assembly of Nasarawa state has decided to request the vacation judge to set up another panel to re-investigate the allegations which had been dismissed in favour of the governor.

rooned in Abuja instead of their base in Lafia, is being instigated by the PDP is not in doubt, irrespective of the unconvincing and tepid denial from the party. That this illegality is being contemplated under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan is clear for all to see. In fact, it is in line with the culture of lawlessness and impunity for which the Jonathan Administration has now become infamous. ‘’This is the only reason why

“It is pertinent to point out that apart from the chief judge of a state no other judge is permitted to set up an impeachment panel under the Constiution. “Neither can a panel set up by a vacation judge be turned into an appellate chamber to review the proceedings and decisions of the impeachment panel set up by the chief judge in exercise of his exclusive powers under the Constitution”, he said. Falana said that in line with the development, the Nasarawa state house of assembly should be cautioned to desist from delibetately violating the clear provisions of the Constitution. “As the legislators are stopped from raising any of the issues which formed the subject matter of the impeachment charges which had been dismissed by the panel, they should be restrained from engaging in further acts of impunity”, he stressed.

the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, from Nasarawa State, could be goading the legislature to disregard the Constitution in its avowed determination to remove the governor, for no reason other than he belongs to the opposition. The minister is well aware that he is functioning in an atmosphere that encourages impunity, and that the President will not sanction him for encouraging illegality. ‘’It is also as clear as daylight

that the kind of money being dangled at the lawmakers to impeach Al-Makura at all costs could only have come from a deep purse or a war chest. With almost 30 million Naira and other perks being reportedly offered to each lawmaker just to take out an opposition governor, it is clear in whose interest and at whose behest such is being done,’’ the party said. It said that from Police officer Joseph Mbu, who trampled the

•Al-Makura

Constitution and virtually seized the reins of government during his tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, to Marilyn Ogar, a supposed spokesperson of the DSS who has now become a spokesperson for the PDP, impunity is the name of the game under the Jonathan Administration. ‘’The puppeteers of the marooned Nasarawa legislators had better call them to order before they precipitate a Constitutional crisis in the state and do a grievous harm to our democracy. The lawmakers have tried and failed to remove Al-Makura. Let them now return to Lafia and continue with their constitutional duties. They must give peace a chance,’’ APC said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS Volunteers, others train in Lagos By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

CORES of volunteers, health and environmental workers have begun training in Lagos State to avert the spread of the Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD). Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, addressed participants at the training at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He said the training showed the government’s commitment to ensure that the disease was prevented from spreading. He said health workers and volunteers from the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas are being trained by the government on how to handle possible cases, while adding that government would not hesitate to invoke any relevant section of the laws on anyone who flouts the environmental laws. The commissioner also warned residents to desist from unsafe and unhealthy practises so as not to contract the deadly EVD, urging them not to attempt hiding person with suspected symptoms of Ebola Virus Diseases as government has the right to quarantine or isolate such person so as to prevent the diseases from spreading.

Elumelu Foundation donates N100m

HE Tony Elumelu Foundation has promised N100 million to contain the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Africa. The donation would be used to equip medical teams and aid the general response in the affected four countries in West Africa: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The foundation donated N50 million to Nigerias, the country of the foundation’s chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu. The remaining N50 million will be shared among the governments of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Responding to the donation, President Alpha Conde of Guinea said: “I thank Mr. Tony Elumelu for this contribution and hope that his example will be followed by others. This contribution will be used to strengthen the coordinated international efforts to stop the Ebola epidemic.” “We are facing the current situation with real determination. This support from our Nigerian brother, Tony Elumelu, proves to us yet again that in this fight, we are not alone and that we will succeed.”

Ondo to make cremation law From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE Ondo State Government hinted yesterday it will enact a cremation law to deal with bodies brought to the state without certificates. Governor Olusegun Mimiko spoke at the inauguration of the Ondo Central Missionary Diocese of the African Church Nigeria and Overseas at the Ebenezer African Church Cathedral, Akure, the state capital. Mimiko’s statement came as the Primate, Rev. Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, ordered that body contacts be avoided in the churches. Udofia, who inaugurated the missionary diocese, explained that although God could heal all diseases and protect His people, humans should not take unnecessary risks.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle); Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third left); Commissioners for Information, Mr Lateef Ibirogba (left); Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (second left); Commissioner for Town Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde (second right); Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr Bisi Onasanya (third right) and President-General, Nigerian Market Men and Women, Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, at the inauguration of new Tejuosho Shopping Complex at Yaba, Lagos...at the weekend. PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Boko Haram’ll end when Fed Govt wants, says Amaechi

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the weekend said the war against Boko Haram insurgents will not stop unless the Federal Government is ready to tackle it sincerely. The governor alleged that some Federal Government institutions have stolen the money meant for human and infrastructural development. He indicted the Presidency of inciting Muslims and Christians against one another to win the 2015 general elections by all means. Amaechi spoke on Kaduna-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

based Liberty Radio weekly programme, “Guest of the Week”. The governor noted that until the Federal Government tackled corruption, education and poverty, insurgency would continue across the land. According to him, if the Federal Government supports the military through intelligence gathering, which has combated militancy in Rivers State and other Niger Delta states, it would be the end to the menace. Amaechi said there is need for

the Federal Government to work with everybody, especially the locals, to know who and where the insurgents live. The governor stressed that it was the failure of the government that caused militancy. Using the Niger Delta militancy as a case study, he said: “It took me just two months to deal with militancy in Port Harcourt (Rivers State capital). If a state could achieve that within that space of time, how much more the Federal Government that has everything it needs at its disposal. At least, if we did not stop militancy, it has reduced.

“The earlier the Federal Government stopped inciting Muslims against Christians to win elections, the better for Nigeria. “Killing militants was not the solution to the militancy. So, we began with infrastructure and gave them economic livelihood. That’s because when they know that when they go out, they would earn some money, they would not have time to perpetrate evil of this magnitude.” Responding to a question on the alleged rift between him and President Goodluck Jonathan, Amaechi said: “We are not quarrelling; we just have a disagree-

Labour: nothing to show for 15 years of democracy

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said despite the nation’s unbroken democracy in the last 15 years, there are very few dividends of democracy to show for the period. The umbrella union body noted that serial acts of impunity, abuse of human rights, harassment of the media, the disruption of peaceful protests, diminishing jobs, among others, had been the hallmark of successive governments at the centre. It urged the Federal Government to make democracy more benevolent and beneficial to Nigerians. In a communiqué issue after its National Executive Meeting (NEC) in Enugu by its President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, the NLC said: “The NEC-in-ses-

•NLC calls for credible polls in 2015 By Toba Agboola

sion observed that although the nation has had 15 years of unbroken democracy, there is little to show as dividends of democracy. NEC noted serial acts of impunity, abuse of human rights, harassment of the media, the disruption of peaceful protests, diminishing jobs, etc, and urged the government to make democracy more benevolent and beneficial. “The NEC-in-session noted with concern the deteriorating security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast, where insurgents continue to pillage the land, and in the Southsouth, where unabated

crude oil theft has all but left the economy prostrate. It, accordingly, urged the government not to relent in its effort at securing the nation.” The union said it had resolved to get employers of labour to maintain a group life assurance policy for their employees with a minimum benefit of three times the total emolument, in line with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014, Section 4 (5). It decried the government’s delay in implementing the 33.3 per cent increase in pension payment approved by stakeholders and vowed to ensure its implementation. The NLC frowned at attempts by some officials of the Ministry

of Labour to fragment industrial unions by creating false and illegal dichotomies. The umbrella union urged the government not to cause controversy in Labour circle. It hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving in the conduct of the elections. NLC said: “The NEC-in-session commended the INEC for its improved performance in the conduct of elections, but cautioned against the overmilitarisation of election zones as it could be counter-productive and, accordingly, urged the government to take note. “The NEC-in-session called on the government to ensure that the 2015 general elections are free, fair, credible and acceptable.”

Nigeria deserves good leadership in 2015, says Tambuwal

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday said Nigeria deserves a better leadership to make progress. The Speaker said Nigerians should see themselves as the primary instrument for achieving national progress. He said Nigeria is vast for anyone to perpetrate himself in office, adding: “No matter one’s political ambition, the constitution is supreme in a democracy and every citizen must obey the laws of the country and act according to the constitution.” Disabusing the minds of Nigerians on the proposed amendment of the constitution, recommended by the National Conference, Tambuwal said altough the conference was initiated by the Federal Government, but “we legislators will have to subject every recommendation to due process of legislation, as it were”. The Speaker urged registered voters and those of voting ages to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). Tambuwal spoke yesterday at

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

his home town, Tambuwal, after picking his PVC at the Alhaji Hadi Waziri Ward. The Speaker said only free, fair and credible elections would earn the confidence of Nigerians who he said were ready to elect better leadership in 2015. He said: “We cannot hide under any guise or excuse not to conduct free, fair and credible elections. “If nations, such as Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq can conduct

peaceful and credible elections under its challenging atmosphere. We have no reason not to as well.” Tambuwal hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for trying to improve the electoral process, despite inadequate facilities. He said: “It is an improvement on the past, and this should be continued by the commission until we get it right.” According to him, INEC should leverage on its independence to earn the confidence of the electorate.

Tambuwal said: “We, as legislators and government, are working towards a more effective legal frame work that would guarantee INEC autonomy backed by resources through possible amendments of the Act establishing it.” The Speaker noted that this would enable the commission to maintain a first line charge to guarantee its financial independence. He added that the National Assembly would soon conduct a public hearing to enable INEC perform better.

Josephine Anenih, others urge Jonathan to run in 2015

WOMEN members of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) at the weekend gave President Goodluck Jonathan an ultimatum to declare for the 2015 presidential election. A former Minister of Women Affairs and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyom Josephine Anenih, announced the ultimatum in Awka, the Anambra State capital, at a rally organised by TAN for the Southeast zone. Mrs. Anenih said the women would not want the PDP to play with Dr Jonathan’s right to earn an automatic ticket as the President, as is done in ad-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

vanced democracies. She urged the party to give him the ticket. Mrs Anenih said: “But this is not a PDP rally. I am not here because of PDP. In fact, if this was a PDP rally, I probably would not have come because the party has let me down too many times. “So, you might ask why I am here. I am here on this platform as a Nigerian woman leader. I am here to tell you that President Goodluck Jonathan has kept faith with Nigerian women by empowering them in a way that no other President has ever done.”

ment on how to govern the country. I have a huge respect for him. But only he is the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces. So, he should be the only person to tell us how to bring the abducted Chibok schoolgirls back.” On whether or not he had the intention to run for the Presidency in 2015 on the platform of the All Peoples Congress (APC), the Ikwere-born politician said he could only do so if he had the support of at least 25 million Nigerians.

Revolution can bring credible leaders in 2015, says Balarabe Musa From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

FORMER governor of the old Kaduna State and National Chairman of the deregistered Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has said the people should prepare for a peaceful revolution for the 2015 general elections to be fair, free and credible. The former governor said only a revolution would bring the exemplary leaders the people deserve. He noted that since the country’s political system had been hijacked by moneybags, the hope of the people getting credible leaders through their votes would remain a mirage. Musa spoke in Kaduna at the weekend after meeting with members of the National Executive Committee of the party to find alternative political strategies, following its deregistration by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The former governor said PRP would continue to fight for the downtrodden. He said: “I know Nigeria’s situation; it is impossible to have free, fair, credible and transparent elections leading to a democratic mandate. We need a revolution; we need a peaceful democratic revolution ...to bring about the condition that will bring about free, fair, credible and transparent elections that will lead to legitimate leadership. “Let us be objective. Elections today are decided by three factors: money power, incumbency and balance terror. That was how elections were decided in Ekiti and Osun states. The ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can do and undo with the people’s votes. So, a revolution is the answer, whether peaceful or otherwise.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

Nigeria'll defeat insurgents, say Oshiomhole, Army chief

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, have expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defeat insurgents. They spoke at the weekend at the Nigerian Army Corps and School of Supply and Transport, Benin, the Edo State capital, at the inauguration of its remodelled Officers Mess, facilitated by the state government. Oshiomhole said insurgency and other violent crimes are alien to Nigeria and would be defeated soon. He said: "We in Edo State appreciate the sacrifices the men and officers are paying at this critical time of our history by dealing with new forms of crime that one never thought was possible in this country a couple of years back. "We appreciate the will, the de-

termination to confront the risk and to defeat them. I believe the Commander-in-Chief and our President Goodluck Jonathan is providing the leadership and the Nigeria Army is doing an excellent job in making a bold statement that these terrorists will be defeated. By the grace of God, Nigeria will be secured for generations yet unborn. "I want to thank Mr President, who graciously approved the Army to support and compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Police. For us in Edo, the Nigeria Army is part and parcel of the community. Edo people are proud of the Nigerian Army and are proud of the contributions you are making to make Edo State safe." The governor thanked the Army for acknowledging the support of the state government. He said: "Giving the support

is one thing and making judicious use of it is another. I think the officers, who remodelled this building, have shown the capacity of the Nigerian Army to manage resources judiciously." Lt.-Gen. Minimah assured that the Army would overcome the present security challenges. He said: "Let me reassure Nigerians that the current security challenges and other security challenges bedevilling the country are surmountable and will soon become a thing of the past. The Army will not relent until all forms of terrorism and criminal activities are driven out of our shores. We cannot, we must not, and we will not fail the nation. "At this point, I want to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his untiring support of the Army and the Armed Forces. I equally thank our political leaders at all levels of government for their soli-

darity with the Army, particularly the Governor and people of Edo state. "I want to thank the governor and people of Edo State, not only for this project but also for other interventions in the Army barracks in the state. I recall that just last June, the Edo State Government provided a commercial borehole and a 500KVA generator for Ekenhuan Barracks. "This gesture and many other supports by the Edo State Government is deeply appreciated and worthy of every level of commendation. I call on other state governments to take a cue from the Edo State Government and support our troops to confront the current security challenges bedevilling our country." In a welcome address, Maj.Gen. Nienge hailed Oshiomhole for his interest in the welfare of the officers and men of the Army in Edo State.

•Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu (second right) with former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (second left) and Col. Sani Bello (retd.) at the wedding fatiha of the daughter of Emir of Borgu, Hajiya Hadiza Dantoro to Alhaji Hassan Zakari, at the Emir’s palace in Borgu.

Gas shortage: Dangote spends N.7tr monthly on diesel

HE President of Dangote Group of Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has decried the shortage of gas to run the company’s cement plant in Ibese, Ogun State. The foremost industrialist said he had resorted to using diesel, which had eaten deep into the company’s profit. The cement factory at Ibese has an installed capacity to generate 210 megawatts (MW) but the shortage of gas to run it has remained its major headache. Dangote said the Ibese cement plant, in the last six months, had been spending between N230 million and N250 million per day on diesel. The additional cost, the industrialist said, has been “eating away” the company’s profit. He said gas shortage was a challenge to the company, adding that the Federal Government should make gas available to enable it operate at full capacity, create more jobs and meet its market’s demand for cement. Dangote addressed reporters at the weekend in Ibese, Ogun State, after a tour of the company with its distributors ahead of the inauguration of the cement plant’s expansion. He said: “In the last six months, we have had challenges, mainly gas. Also, the low fuel oil, which has not allowed us to work up to our capacity. Actually, the government should

•Plans 180,000 jobs by 2017 From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

make sure that there is enough gas. This is because the only thing we are getting is gas; so that we can continue to generate our own power. “If you look at it in the last six months, we have been using diesel to produce power because our generators are made in such a way that if there is no gas, you have to use diesel. Between diesel and low fuel oil, we are spending between N230 million and N250 million per day. “So, that has really eaten up our profit vis-a-vis last year. But I think now, we have stabilised a bit. We are using coal and, by

next year, we will fully be on coal so that we don’t go through this mess anymore.” Africa’s frontline businessman said the plant expansion, which entails adding two new lines to the existing one, would double the capacity from six million metric tonnes to 12 million metric tonnes per annum. He said this level would ensure a steady supply of the product to the consumers. The additional plant, Dangote said, would also require doubling the workforce by about 60 per cent. According to him, the company is working on how to increase its staff strength from

26,000 to 180,000 through agriculture by 2017. Dangote said by then, the company would be in a position to take many Nigerians off the unemployment market. The industrialist said about N150 billion had been spent on the plant’s expansion to meet the demand for cement in Nigeria. He said: “The demand for cement increases a little bit over that of last year. Already, we anticipated that. So, we decided to double our capacity. We just want to assure Nigerians that we have the capacity to meet their demand through our customers (distributors). Whether high season or low season, we will be able to meet the demand, inclusive of quality that we are talking about, which is 42.5 standard of cement.”

Babangida's name opens doors, says VC

HE Vice Chancellor of Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State (IBBUL), Prof Ibrahim Kolo, has said the name of the former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has open doors and paved the way for him and the institution. The university administrator spoke yesterday in Minna, the state capital, when he led the IBBUL management to the 73rd birthday of the former military leader at his Hilltop residence.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Kolo said the government's naming of the institution after the former military leader had brought several fortunes to the university from within and outside the country. He said: "Your Excellency, we, at IBBUL, are proud to be associated with you. Your name has opened doors and paved the way for this young state-owned institution and for me as the vice chancellor. Many people within

and outside the country are always ready to assist the university whenever they hear your name. "The naming of the institution after you is of great blessing to us. It has tremendously been beneficial to the university and we are grateful for this honour. Your name has indeed earned the institution recognition at many fora." The vice chancellor decorated Gen. Babangida with the institution's Grand Honorary Fellowship Award for his contribution to the university.

2015: Atiku to declare stand

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar may soon declare for next year’s presidential race, it was learnt yesterday. The All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, it was also learnt, at the weekend made exhaustive consultations with stakeholders in Nigeria and abroad. Our correspondent learnt that the former Vice-President’s bridge-building outreach has an all-encompassing road map to tackle most of the challenges facing the country – from security to unity, equity and socio-economic development. A source said: “The former Vice-President and his newly formed team shall be interfacing with diverse religious and professionals bodies nationally and internationally. His mission

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

would be to gauge the pulse of the people on the many troubles bedevilling the country with the aim of finding genuine and lasting solutions to them.” Atiku, who is believed to be a strong advocate of interfaith dialogue to reduce tension in the land, may begin his campaign with messages of peaceful coexistence, true nationalism and an end to religious fanaticism and extremism, which breed rebellion and anarchy. The source added: “Uppermost on the Turaki’s mind, this time round, is the need to foster a harmonious working relationship between Christians, Muslims and traditional believers to have all hands on deck to rebuild our fatherland, Nigeria.”

Customs chief sues publisher

HE Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Dikko, has sued the publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Shipping World magazine, Asu Beks, at an Abuja Magistrates’ Court, Life Camp, Abuja, for allegedly publishing a defamatory report against him. In its July edition, Dikko said the magazine published a fivepage article, with the headline, “Dikko’s Customs stinks” with a rider: “Presidency shops for his replacement”. In the report, the magazine allegedly accused Customs chief of bribery in the bid to retain at his position, despite running “a corruption-ridden NCS” and “squandering” N25 billion from a Customs dedicated account that had been dormant since 2012. Dikko said the publication also alleged that the anti-graft agency had compiled a long list of “sins” to send the Customs chief to prison. Dikko said the publication

By Precious Igbonwelundu

claimed that out of desperation to clean himself, he allegedly paid huge bribes to curry favour from the Presidency and the National Assembly. Angered by the allegations in the article, Dikko, through his lawyer, Amobi Nzelu, filed a suit pursuant to Section 143(d) and (e) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The Customs chief prayed the Senior Magistrates’ Court to issue a criminal summon against Beks, the magazine’s Managing Editor Sylvanus Ekpo and Editor Chukwunonso Udeh for alleged defamation and misrepresentation of facts. He claimed that the article jointly authored and published by the accused persons concerning him were false, malicious, baseless, as well as highly libelous and a calculated attempt to destroy his hard earned reputation and professional career without justification.

Democracy indoor game goes nationwide

N indoor game to entrench democracy in Nigeria will soon begin across the land. It will be promoted through visits to elder statesmen, eminent citizens and media houses. The advocacy visits are a prelude to the formal public presentation of the game, tagged: Democracy Indoor Game, later in the year. The brains behind the project are: Prof Biodun Akinpelu, of Lagos State University (LASU); Dr. Abodunrin Kofoworola, of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Abuja, and Pastor Ellion Tanze. In a statement in Abuja, the experts said the game was designed by a games enthusiast and simulated by games experts from various Nigerian universities. It is being produced as an entertaining, educative and informative masterpiece, besides being a tool to unify the various ethnic nationalities.

Mark mourns Aziza From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•The late Gen. Aziza

ENATE President David Mark mourned yesterday the first Military Governor of Kebbi State, General Patrick Aziza, who died on Saturday. He was 67. He described the late Gen. Aziza as a dependable colleague, a fine officer and a gentleman. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President noted that the late Gen. Aziza was among the best and fertile minds the military ever produced.

He said the late Gen. Aziza contributed immensely to the development of the country, adding that the former military officer excelled in all the assignments he handled. The Senate President said even in the trying times in the nation’s history, the late Gen. Aziza was among the military officers who stood firmly for peace and unity. Mark said: “He was one of our best. He stood for the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. He demonstrated unwavering commitment to the nation. He was a patriot to the core.” The Senate President said even in retirement, the late Gen. Aziza’s people recognised his sterling virtues when they elected him the president general of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) in Delta State. He held the position until his death. Mark condoled with the government and people of Delta State, especially the bereaved family. He prayed Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

•Right to left: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and wife of the deceased, Mrs. Tinuola Shopeju, her sons, Bode and Tokunbo, during the funeral service held for Prof. James Oyebode Shopeju at the Jubilee Christian Church International Headquarters, Isale-Abetu, Abeokuta...over the weekend.

Oyo panel on demolition to begin sitting Aug. 28

Ajimobi pledges to assist market fire victims

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has pledged to assist victims of the Alesinloye market fire disaster within one week. The governor, who visited the burnt market in Ibadan twice in one day, made the pledge while inspecting its damage last Saturday. His first visit was at 2a.m on Saturday and later in the

day to identify with the affected traders. Ajimobi expressed sympathy with the traders, describing the fire incident, which destroyed over 500 shops, as “very unfortunate.” He pledged that the government would provide succour for the victims. The governor recalled his experience when his Lagos private residence was razed

in 1993. He prayed that God, who assisted him to overcome the incident, would also compensate the traders. He directed the affected traders to form a committee to meet with government representatives. The governor urged the leadership of the market to ensure equitable distribution of whatever assistance the

O •Ajimobi

government would offer. He pleaded that such assistance should not be politicised.

PVC: Mimiko praises INEC, voters

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has praised the turnout of people and performance of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) during the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) exercise which ended yesterday. Mimiko spoke at the weekend after he and his wife, Kike, were presented their cards by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Akin Orebiyi at Ward 7, Unit 20 along Olusegun Mimiko Way in Ondo. He described the exercise

as successful, stressing that the information he received indicated that the people turned out en masse for the exercise. Mimiko described the cards as the power of the electorate to choose credible people that would govern and represent them in political capacities. His words: “I encourage everybody to go out and collect their voters’ cards and urge those who are yet to register to do so when the exercise commences on Friday, because this is the powerful tool in the hands of the voter.

“With it, you will be able to make your choice on election day. My information is that without this PVCs, you will not be allowed to vote in subsequent election in Nigeria. “I want to put on record that my information had it that the arrangement made by INEC has been almost flawless; the officials are well-deployed. There were hitches in some areas, which were being addressed, but by and large, INEC had done very well. The logistic is well put in place and the turnout is very impressive”. The governor’s wife urged

women, as major players in election matters, to troop out for the exercise in order not to be disenfranchised. The state government had declared Friday 15th and 22nd of August as public holidays to enable public servants to participate in the fresh voters’ registration exercise as well as the collection of the newly introduced PVCs. The exchange of the old temporary voter card for a permanent one started last Friday and ended yesterday, while registration of fresh voters will hold between Wednesday and Friday.

Medical experts warn Ondo community over high birth rate

EDICAL experts have advised the Ondo State government to embark on sensitisation programmes to discourage high birth rate in Ilaje Local Government Area. The leader of the medical team sent by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Livinus Martins, gave the warning at the weekend. He said if the government failed to act, this might lead to a population explosion. The doctors, who spent five days in the communities, recalled a man in Ode-Igo community in Ilaje, with 13 children and wants 15 more. Martins said the sensitisation programmes must be organised to warn the people on

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

the danger in having many children. He said about 376 people passed through laboratory tests, six went through major surgery, 770 were out-patients, 678 passed through pharmaceutical section and 41 were treated for dental problems during the medical visit. The State Representative on the NDDC Board, Benson Amuwa, said the commission’s aim was to make healthcare available to the riverine people. He lamented that the Niger Delta’s people had been deprived of their rights due to non-availability of time and

fund. His words: “What the NDDC is aiming at is that the people of the mandate areas will enjoy basic healthcare at their doorsteps and we know that most of them cannot afford the kind of healthcare, which normally they should get. “From the records, we have been told that several operations have been done in a community like this. For someone to do any major operation, you will spend about N100,000. To get such amount of money in a community like this, a whole family may need to donate it. “NDDC has come out, making it possible for people to be treated. Our projection is that NDDC should be em-

powered so that it can reach more people. We still have a lot of people waiting to be treated. But the team has a time limit and by Friday, the medical experts will be gone. We need more time and fund so that we can reach more people. “Our medical team told us that this kind of programme should be carried out two times in a year. The NDDC, under the present board, would like to do that. But it is just the enablement. Our projection is that fund be made available because we have over 10,000 people that need medical assistance”. Amuwa assured the people that NDDC would complete all abandoned projects and also construct more roads.

YO State Judicial Commission of Inquiry on complaints arising from demolition of buildings over Environmental and Town Planning Regulations’ contraventions between May 29, 2011 till date, will begin sittings on August 28. The commission, which was set up by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, will be sitting at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan at 10a.m each day. It has requested for the submission of written memoranda by individuals, groups or organisations affected by the demolition. A statement by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Waheed Ajuwon, in Ibadan yesterday, said anybody wishing to submit memorandum should produce 12 copies. It said this should be address to the office of the Commission’s Secretary, Room 64, Office of the Governor, Secre-

tariat, Ibadan between 9a.m. and 4p.m. The statement added that all memoranda should be ready within the next seven days. It indicated that such memoranda should be accompanied by relevant documents, including approved building plan, photograph(s) of such buildings(s), and proof of ownership of the affected property. It also stated that any other person wishing to give oral evidence could also appear personally at the public sittings. The panel, to be chaired by Justice Okanola Akintunde Boade (rtd), was constituted on Monday, August 11. It was charged with the responsibility of receiving complaints of irregular demolition of properties on the grounds of Environmental and Town Planning Regulations contraventions and determining the genuineness or otherwise of such claims among others.

APC flays LP of delaying Ondo NDO State Chapter of by-election All Progressives

Congress (APC) has accused the Labour Party (LP)led state government of playing politics with the destiny and the development of people of Odigbo Local Government Area. APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, urged the House of Assembly’s Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele, to respect the constitution by declaring the seat of the late speaker, Samuel Adesina, vacant. Abayomi said: “There are complaints, petitions and protests as to why the Speaker and the House of Assembly refused to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the vacancy existing in Odigbo Constituency ll, to facilitate the conduct of the bye-election. The party noted that since the demise of the late Adesina, the government has not deemed it fit to fulfill its constitutional responsibility by declaring the seat vacant to

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

avail the people an opportunity to have a replacement. The statement noted that the LP-led administration was afraid of losing the seat to the APC, because council area is a stronghold of the party. It said the state government is applying delay tactics to ensure that the election did not hold before the 2015 general elections. But the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Kunle Olujuyigbe, said the Assembly had concluded all arrangements to fill the vacant seat. Olujiyigbe said: “As far as the House of Assembly is concern, we have done what we are expected to do about the vacant seat and we have duly notified INEC. I think at the appropriate time, INEC will call for stakeholders’ meeting and tell us the next line of action”.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

•Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese, Dr. Felix Alaba Job (middle) assisted by Senator Anthony Adefuye(fifth left) to cut the new church dedicating cake of St. Marys Catholic Church, Odolewu, Ogun State donated by Senator Adefuye. With them are officiating ministers and guests.

Minister holds thanksgiving From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

THE Bishop of Ekiti Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde has urged politicians to be purposeful in the discharge of their duties as leaders. Rev. Omotunde, who spoke at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, at St Mark Anglican Church, Odo Ise, Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State at the weekend, said political leaders should be Godconscious in serving the people. The cleric, who dwelt extensively on the dearth of purposeful and transparent leadership, reminded the congregation that only God assures accomplishment despite human commitment. He advised the minister to use his position to advance the growth of his people and the nation at large. The state governor-elect, Dr. Ayodele Fayose, said the only way to appreciate God for what He had done both for the celebrant and him was to use their positions to better the lot of the people. Adeyeye, who dedicated his appointment to God, said: “I thank the President (Goodluck Jonathan) for putting right the wrong done to me seven years ago because my name was withdrawn from the Senate as a ministerial nominee on July 9, 2007 and I was cleared as a minister by the Senate on July 9, 2014.”

Frustration mars PVCs’ collection in Oyo

YO State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have urged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) exercise. The call came following failure of many registered voters in the state to collect their PVCs due to inability of the INEC to conduct a smooth exercise. Registered voters expressed anger, frustration and complaints in Ibadan and other parts of the state as the three-day exercise ended yesterday. Chairman, Public Account, Finance and Appropriation of the state House of Assembly Olusegun Olaleye, in an interview with The Nation, said the only way out of the logjam was for INEC to extend the exercise by another three days to avoid dire consequences. The lawmaker, who blamed INEC for lack of ade-

•APC leaders seek extension From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

quate preparation for the exercise, said: “I believe INEC has not done so well in view of what I saw in my constituency and local government.” He said materials were not available in four wards Wards 11, 10, three and five, where he said the exercise didn’t take place. “The corps members and the officials were ready, but all the materials are still in Abuja and they keep assuring us they will come and people trooped out. But nothing has happened since the inception of the exercise. This calls for concern. “Few people were attended to in 11 units out of 34. “In Ward eight, which is in my constituency in Ibadan North Local Government, people turned out, spent money and energy to go to their centres and the govern-

ment also declared a whole day as a public holiday. What do you say about those efforts? So, to me, that is a total failure on the part of INEC.” The Chairman, Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Alhaji Abass Najimudeen, reassured registered voters in the council that the shortcoming discovered in some wards would be addressed. He said areas affected were Wards three, four and 11, while 32 polling units were not available in Ward 10 and 10 polling units missing in Ward eight. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Parastatals, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, who spoke in a telephone chat yesterday, frowned at the shoddy manner the exercise was conducted by INEC in Ibarapa Zone. He said over 80 per cent of registered voters were denied

their PVCs in the four local government areas that made up the zone whereas all the affected voters participated and voted in 2011 election. He called for an extension of the exercise to allow the registered voters collect their PVCs. Commissioner for Applied Science and Technology Dapo Adesina described the exercise as unacceptable and argued that registered voters would be disenfranchised by the exercise. He said: “It’s been a kind of mixed reactions. Our people turned out in large number, but were disappointed. I think INEC still have a lot to do. I have been to where I registered today. Even though they saw my PVC, they didn’t find my name on the list. I learnt that this happened to many people.” The commissioner also called for extension of the exercise to avoid chaos and anarchy.

Two feared dead in Lagos clash

WO persons were feared dead at the weekend during a clash between factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at a ceremony to mark the installation of two titled chiefs in Lagos. Several others were reportedly injured and are in hospitals. The installation of the

By Jude Isiguzo

two chiefs was in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of a traditional ruler. The ceremony took a violent turn when a faction allegedly loyal to the leaders of an NURTW’s branch fired in anger The development reportedly marred the ceremony as guests ran away.

A policeman attempted to arrest the armed touts, but could not. It was also learnt that some members of the rival faction reportedly stormed a union leader’s residence in Ejigbo in two commercial buses, where they allegedly fired shots. Eyewitnesses said it took the intervention of policemen from Ejigbo Division

to disperse the invaders. But Police sources said no life was lost, but hinted that one person was stabbed while another was hit with the butt of a gun. Police Deputy Spokesperson, Lelma Kolle, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), promised to get back to The Nation with the details on the incident.

Osun lawmaker to sue police for alleged unlawful arrest

MEMBER of the Osun State House of Assembly, Folarin Fafowora, has vowed to take a legal action against alleged “unlawful arrest” by the police a day before the August 9 governorship election. The lawmaker representing Ilesa West State Con-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

stituency disclosed this to reporters in Osogbo at the weekend. He said his lawyers would soon file the case in court to seek justice on the breach of his fundamental human rights.

Narrating his ordeal, he said the police forced him, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Wale Adedoyin, the Executive Secretary of Ilesa East, Lanre Baolgun, and about 50 others arrested to sit on the “dirty bare floor of Ayeso Police Station” like crimi-

nals. “The police said they were acting on the allegation by the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilesa that we were doing accreditation for some people before the election day. But later, the police investigation proved

otherwise,” he said. He lamented that he spent five days under very poor unhygienic condition for a crime he did not commit, blaming the police for acting as agents of the PDP governorship candidate in the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Doctor’s sack: Rep condemns Fed Govt’s decision By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

HE Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the Federal Government for dismissing over 16,000 resident doctors despite a national emergency. The lawmaker, in a statement, said such decision poses a big threat to the development of the country’s ailing healthcare sector. She said the sack of the resident doctors “is highly questionable on several fronts.” Dabiri-Erewa said it was understandable that the Federal Government might have disagreements with the striking doctors, but opting “to sack all resident doctors given the present predicament, is unjustifiable, insensitive and inconsiderate.” “Resident doctors are the younger generation of doctors who are constantly under studying their superiors with a hope to replacing some of our renowned consultants in later years.” She noted that the message of the government to the doctors suggested that it “does not care about you or your profession. To us, you are worthless.” Dabiri-Erewa said the same message delivered in several other ways had led to many “doctors to continue to relocate to western countries.” Dabiri-Erewa urged President Goodluck Jonathan to reconsider the grave consequences of the action and in the interest of the country, rescind the decision immediately. She also appealed to resident doctors and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to be reasonable in their demands and opt for dialogue and make peace.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

Govt to check succession crisis in Igala From James Azania, Lokoja

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (secondleft) addresing traders when he visited Aleshinloye market which got burnt in Ibadan...at the weekend

OGI State Governor Idris Wada has constituted a seven-man committee to look into the procedures for ascension to the throne of Attah Igala. He said this is to ensure that all ruling houses have equal opportunities. Wada said setting up the committee became imperative to ensure a peaceful succession. The governor said: “It is the responsibility of the government to ensure a healthy selection and appointment of Attah Igala among the four ruling houses in the order of rotation.” He decried the crisis, which preceded the selection of the current Attah Igala, following the death of the former Attah Igala, Alhaji Aliyu Obaje. According to him, efforts must be made to avert a recurrence.

Adamawa youths vow to resist ‘PDP may not win Sokoto in 2015’ A imposition of Ribadu ‘We are ready Y to resist any From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

OUTHS in Adamawa State have vowed to resist the imposition of Malam Nuhu Ribadu by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This followed Ribadu’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. The pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) defected on Saturdaty. The youths, under the aegis of the Adamawa Youth Alliance for Change (AYAC), warned the PDP leadership to beware of people like Ri-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

badu, who were coming into the party to cause chaos. The group’s president, Mr. Umar lya Gulak, with other leaders, who addressed a news conference in Kaduna yesterday, said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to impose any candidate on us.” AYAC said it has endorsed Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei of the PDP. It said: “After studying the situation, we have agreed that of all the governorship aspirants, Senator Girei

attempt to impose any candidate on us’

stands out. We are supporting him. “Following the impeachment of former Governor Murtala Nyako and the resignation of his deputy, James Bala Ngilari, we have monitored the political ac-

tivities in the state and have taken a stand. “We have also monitored the political calculation and manipulations of those aspiring to govern the state. We have looked at the pedigree of the aspirants. “Based on our assessment, we have concluded that Senator Girei is the most experienced and credible.” The group urged the people to ensure that a credible candidate is voted into office. “We have seen that credibility in Senator Girei,” it added.

Elders petition Umar over monarch’s ‘excesses’

ONCERNED Mambilla Elders Forum (CMEF) has petitioned Taraba State Acting Governor Alhaji Garba Umar over what it described as the alleged excesses of a monarch, Shehu Audu Baju. The petition, signed by the coordinator, Alhaji Usman Hassan Zubairu and the secretary, Daniel Mbomu, accused Shehu of “neglecting his people and for not being a listening leader as he promised on August 24 last year when he was given the staff of office.” The elders alleged that the Mambilla ruler undermined the opinions of the traditional council and conferred chieftaincy titles on 40 people, including fraudsters, against their culture. They accused him of appointing only the rich as the village heads instead of those from the ruling homes. The petition reads: “When on August 24 last year you gave Shehu the staff of office, we supported you, as he promised to be a listening leader, a democratic servant-ruler. He promised to reunite the ethnic groups. But to our dismay, our king has turned out to be an autocratic ruler, exercising powers inimical to Mambilla people. “Within a short time, Shehu has given chieftaincy titles to 40 people, including fraudsters,

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

simply because they are rich. “He gives the Ardo (Fulani district head) and the Jouro (Mambilla district head) titles to people, provided the beneficiaries have N1.5 million to give him. He does not care whether such people are from

the ruling houses or not. “Shehu has set up a three-man committee, headed by Kaigama Abdulkadri, to review the land ownership system in the area and collects 10 per cent of the money involved in every land deal. This is causing problems, which may result in crisis. “The Office of the Chief of

Mambilla is under the Office of the Sardauna Local Government, but our chief has grown bigger than the local government chairman, Dr. David Jedua and does not wish to consult him on any decision he takes. We are afraid that you are not aware of his excesses and the danger they portend.”

From James Azania, Lokoja

of the end for the PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) in the state. The party leaders and followers are conscious of this. “APC is divine intervention for Nigerians against PDP’s violence, fraud, rigging and bad governance. God Almighty will surely remove PDP from power next year.”

Kogi APC congratulates Aregbesola

HE Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hascongratulated Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his re-election. The party chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, described Aregbesola’s victory as a victory for democracy. He said the result of the August 9 poll is a divine in-

tervention against rigging, “especially the scientific method used to manipulate the people’s mandate in Ekiti State.” Ametuo urged Kogi indigenes to have faith in God, saying He would repeat what happened in Osun in Kogi. His words: “There are signs

Community denies report against proposed Gurara State

ONTRARY to a report by a group of individuals called the representatives of the people of Lere Local Government, Kauru Chiefdom and others under the name Kaduna Development Elders Initiative, on the need for a peaceful split of Kaduna State, the Federated Kurama Association (FKA), Kurama Chiefdom and its people have dissociated themselves from such stand.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

A statement made available to reporters by Peter Sallau Ndochi and John Boyi Ladan, president and general-secretary OF FKA on behalf of the Kurama community said the writers of the report spoke for themselves, adding that it was done without their knowledge and consent. “FKA, Kurama Chiefdom

and members take exception to the wild, ignorant and misleading publication and it should be rejected. “They do not have the mandate of Kurama community or are they representatives of any legitimate existing community of Kurama people. “FKA, Kurama Chiefdom and the people have accepted to belong to the proposed Gurara State if the Federal Government creates it.”

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, has cried out over the manner the party is being run in the state. He said: “Unless this is addressed, PDP may find it difficult to win in Sokoto State in next year’s general elections.” Speaking to reporters at the weekend in Sokoto, Adiya said former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa is not committed to the ideals of the PDP. He said the ex-governor might pilot the party to defeat in the general elections. “Bafarawa is steering the party’s leadership in the wrong direction by running it as his private interest,” Adiya added. According to him, “the former governor is operating the party for personal gain. Such attitude will not augur well for the PDP, especially now that it is trying to wrest power from the APC.” Adiya continued: “Bafarawa must work with other stakeholders to make the party strong. He must respect the traditional institution.” He cautioned him against playing politics with the traditional institution. Adiya said the traditional institution must not be dragged into partisanship. He faulted the composition of the newly-inaugurated executives of the party, saying: “It is a complete representation of the ex-governor’s interest.”

Service quality has reduced, says Lamido IGAWA State Governor

Sule Lamido has said since 1999 when the country returned to democracy, the quality of service in government has reduced, due to high level of nepotism. He was fielding questions from reporters after collecting his permanent voter card at his home town, Bamaina. The governor said Nigerians loved democracy, following the way they participated in the voter registration and other democratic activities. According to him, they vote for leaders to protect them and improve their standard of living by executing good programmes, “but unfortunately they have disappointed the electorate.” Lamido said: “Leaders execute projects based on nepotism. They are not carrying out programmes to satisfy peo-

From Ahmed Rufa'i, Dutse

ple’s needs or perform their duties to fulfil their campaign promises.” He said it is unfortunate that people cannot benefit from the government unless they know somebody or someone knows them. His words: “Nigerians have been patient. A time will come when they will forward their demands to the leaders and stand by them.” Lamido urged people to endure the difficulties and collect their permanent voter cards. He said they could only vote for their candidate of choice or vote out a politician who failed to perform if they possessed voter cards, adding that it was necessary to collect the cards.

Murtala Muhammed’s son considers Kano governorship

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

HE son of the late former military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Risqua, said yesterday in Kano that he was considering running for the governorship on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said he has begun consultations with his family and political associates, following the pressure on him to contest. “If I eventually accept the offer, my focus will be on how to improve the standard of life of Kano State indigenes and residents and transform the state,” Risqua said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

‘Cancer patient’s case can’t be handled in Nigeria’ S

HE cuts a pitiable picture in her pathetic state. What used to be her face is now a drooping mass of flesh. Her eyes, nose, mouth and chin are indefinable, making her look scary. This is the cancerous condition that a business woman, Mrs Yinka Popoola, has been battling with for three years. Writhing in pains, he now lives at the mercy of her three equally needy children in an uncompleted building at Ayetoro in Ogun State since her husband and relations seem to have abandoned her. Following her story in The Nation over a month ago, a source said kind-hearted Nigerians donated about N300,000 to aid her recovery. But sadly, the money went into medical bills and drugs. The patient, who hails from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, requires N16 million for corrective surgery in India as her condition cannot be handled here. But how did this problem start? “Over three years ago, I noticed a small boil by the side of my nose. At first, I thought it was nothing serious, but it continued to itch me terribly as I scratched it constantly. Then, it started growing bigger; I called my husband’s attention to it. I told him that I suspected a skin infection. He casually

•Woman requires N16m for surgery in India

Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

dismissed my suggestion, insisting that it was a mere boil which would soon ripen and pour out its puss,” she had told this reporter. As time went on, she realised that it was more serious than that. As the pains worsened, her face began to take a different shape despite her efforts to manage the ailment. Within a year, she became impoverished since all her savings and what was left of her business went into saving her life. With no help in sight, she

hit the streets with the aid of her children, begging for alms to sustain herself. The search for what to eat took them as far as Mowe, an Ogun State suburb, where they met with a Good Samaritan at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Camp, who gave her some money and directed her to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for diagnosis. She heeded the man’s advice, following which she underwent a scan and series of x-ray which raised her hope that the disease could be treated through

surgery. After roaming the hospital for days, she, again hit the streets, trudging from one bus stop to the other, begging for alms to feed herself and her children, and to see what she could raise out of the N3.2 million initial estimated cost of the surgery. Out of desperation, she opened an account with GTBank with number 0128760777, under the name, Yinka Popoola. She gave her phone number as 08143122984. As her condition grew worse, a sympathiser, who simply identified herself as Bukola, stepped up efforts to help her. “We wrote to LUTH, seeking a written medical bill, but the hospital wrote back on March 13, this year, that the surgery couldn’t be carried out in Nigeria because of lack of

I’m married to trouble, man tells court By Basirat Braimah

•Mrs Popoola before her ailment

the relevant equipment. Now, I don’t know what to do except a miracle happens,” she said on Saturday.

‘I sleep with knife because of my husband’ •I caught her with another man, claims husband By Basirat Braimah

ULIAT Onakoya broke down in tears before the Customary Court, Agege, the popular Lagos suburb, as she sought the dissolution of her marriage to Waheed Onakoya for being “violent and uncaring.” “This is the second year he left home and I have been responsible for our rent. Each time he comes home, he would always threaten to beat me to death if I don’t leave his house. He told the landlord to eject me, but he couldn’t because I don’t owe him. I sleep with a knife because I am afraid he may attack me at night. I was hinted by my co-tenants that he beat his previous wife to a coma. He beats me over trivial issues. I don’t love him anymore; I want a dissolution,” she pleaded. Onakoya, who debunked the allegation, said: “I work in a neighbouring state; I only come home at weekends. Painfully, I once caught my wife with another man in our room. She enjoys listening to gossips. However, I love her and still want to be part of her.” The court president, Mr Philip Williams, advised the parties to maintain peace and urged Suliat to stop sleeping with a knife. He fixed a mediation session for the couple and ordered them to bring two relations each. He adjourned the case till September 11.

•From right: Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mr Oladele Adekanye; Alhaji Tajudeen Tijani, Secretary; Adekanye’s wife, Anike (first left) with some members of the council’s street sweepers, during a special prayer session and gift presentation to the sweepers by Mrs Adekanye.

Driver accuses police, agency of extortion over ‘Lagos licence’

•‘We’re probing his allegation’

N inter-state commercial bus driver has accused some policemen and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) of collecting N10,500 from him for not having a “Lagos State driver’s licence.” He claimed the incident occurred about 7am last Saturday around Cappa bus stop on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

By Jude Isiguzo

The driver’s 18-seater white Toyota commercial bus was heading for Benin, the Edo State capital, when he was allegedly arrested with his passengers. To operate in Lagos, commercial vehicle drivers are required to go through the drivers’ institute to obtain the driver permit. The owner will take the

permit along with any other documents for the national driver’s licence. The driver, who simply identified himself as Chris, was arrested by the LASTMA officials led by a policeman identified simply as Friday with Force Number, 246623 and taken to Ilupeju Bypass where he was allegedly extorted. He said: “They demanded my Lagos State driver’s li-

One dies, others injured as boat explodes

MAN, Emmanuel Omu, was yesterday confirmed dead, and several others injured when a boat exploded in Lagos. Although the explosion was said to have occurred on Friday, the body was recovered yesterday by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials. The boat, belonging to an Oil and Gas company, was said to have caught fire after its engine exploded while trying to refill gasoline at Capital Oil Jetty on Victoria Island, Lagos. It was learnt that most of the boat’s passengers were rescued by volunteers immediately and taken to hospitals on Lagos Island. A relation of the deceased,

•Another electrocuted

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Sunday Ezugha, told The Nation on telephone that they had been looking for him since the explosion occurred but could not find him. He said the explosion occurred between 7.45 and 8am last Friday. Ezugha accused the boat owners of abandoning the victims, adding that all efforts to reach them since the mishap had been unsuccessful. NEMA’s Southwest spokesman Ibrahim Farinloye said the agency only got the information after a report was made on Sunday. In another development, a 30-year-old man simply identified as Raphael was yester-

day electrocuted at 20, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The victim was said to be doing some plumbing work on top of the building at the instance of the company occupying the premises before the incident. The director, State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, said the electrocution may have been caused by a naked wire. He said: “We used our ladder to bring him down, but unfortunately, he was already dead. He was doing some plumbing work on top of the building when the incident occurred. We also attended to four fire cases on Saturday night.”

cence and I told them I did not have. I even told them that I had never heard about the existence of such, but they insisted, saying that if they should impound my bus and take it to their station, I would pay N100,000 before it would be released. “While the argument was going on, the passengers in my bus were complaining, advising me to settle them so that our journey to Edo State would not be delayed. I still did not want to comply but when the pressure from my passengers became so much, I had to negotiate with them and we finally agreed on N10,500. “It was the policeman that collected the money from me. I do not know when Lagos State introduced their own driver’s licence and which law says if a driver does not have it, he won’t ply Lagos roads. Governor Babatunde Fashola must address this issue”. LASTMA spokesperson, Bola Ajao said the allegation would be investigated, adding: “In LASTMA, we don’t condone indiscipline. We will act on this allegation.”

TRADITIONAL medical practitioner, Olatunde Salia, is seeking to divorce his wife, Ganiyat, because of alleged attempted murder, rudeness and constant fighting. Salia, who said he remarried to kill loneliness, told the Customary Court in Alagbado, a Lagos suburb: “I thought I had passed the stage of child nursing. I never knew I was wrong. I wanted peace but I found trouble.” Salia, who said the 12year-old union was contracted under Native and Customary Law, added: “My wife knows the nature of my job, but she complains bitterly whenever I attend to female clients. She is very temperamental. The last time I tried to avoid her trouble, she ate rat killer. Out of fear, I hurriedly took her to a nearby hospital at night. “My wife and I wash separately to the extent of fighting over clothesline. She lacks respect and embarrasses me publicly. We have children but from different spouses. We married to support each other in times of distress. What else do I want from a woman who doesn’t listen to me? I can’t bear the pain anymore; I don’t mind dissolution.” Ganiyat, however, told the court: “How can another woman buy foodstuffs into our home when I am still alive? He told me to leave his house if I was tired of him. I slightly pushed him because of the provocative statement. My husband swathed his leg and told his friends that I intentionally wanted to destroy his leg. He is quick to anger. He punched my eyes because I accused him of selling on credit; I have been in pains for over two weeks now.” “ I lied to have taken a rat poison because my presence in the house wasn’t noticed. I don’t regret my actions. My stubborn attitude has brought me this long in the marriage. I am sorry for the trouble I have caused him. At this level, death should be the only thing separating us.” The Court President, Mr Olubode Sekoni, advised them to cease fighting and maintain peace since they still live together. The case was adjourned till Thursday for judgment.

Akeusola for NOUN’s lecture

PROFESSOR of Yoruba-French Comparative Linguistics, Olu Akeusola will tomorrow speak at the fifth inaugural lecture series at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Akeusola, the Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education

(MOCPED), Epe, Lagos, will speak on: ‘Preserving Yoruba language through linguistic vaccination of comparative grammar’, at the NOUN’s national headquarters, Victoria Island Lagos. Time is 2pm. Before his current position, Akeusola was the Dean of Arts and Social Science of NOUN.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Motorists bemoan ‘worsening’ robbery attacks

OTORISTS are appealing to Lagos State Police chief Umar Manko to save them from incessant attacks by hoodlums in traffic gridlock. The commissioner, they said, should direct his men to be on foot patrol during heavy traffic to check hoodlums’ activities. “The commissioner has proved to be a disciplined officer who is ruthless when it comes to crimefighting. Available records show that he has arrested notorious armed robbers, kidnappers, fraudsters and other criminals that have been terrorising us; but he must not sleep yet,” said motorist, Chief Muniru Alani. He added: “In the past few weeks, I have been attacked in traffic snarls by armed robbers. This is why the commissioner must do more. He has a lot of work to do.” Last Thursday, around 9 pm, over 15 armed men reportedly terrorised motorists around 1st Rainbow bus stop, inwards Mile 2 on

By Jude Isiguzo

the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The attack, according to eyewitnesses, was made possible by the bad spot on the route, where motorists slow down to avoid damaging their vehicles. The problem was worsened by the narrowing of the highway from that point because of the ongoing road construction; some heavy-duty vehicles blocked a major part. An eyewitness, Emma Nwachukwu, said: “When I noticed that the hoodlums were attacking and robbing motorists and even passengers of commercial vehicles, I slowed down because I was about 20 metres away from where they were operating. I quickly thought of what to do. And I was lucky to veer through the link road that leads to ABC Transport Company. That was how I escaped from the robbers. But about five vehicles were robbed in that incident. “The irony is that about

Ebola: Council chief urges vigilance

ESIDENTS of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), have been advised to know their neighbours well to prevent the spread pf the deadly Ebola virus. The council chairman, Sulaiman Akeem, gave the advice during a sensitisation meeting with the residents over the disease, saying: “We must be conscious of visitors into our neighbourhood. Our Immigration officials, other security outfits, landlords and everyone must make it a bounden duty that we don’t allow aliens from Ebola-prone countries into our midst. This is important alongside other precautionary measures including avoidance of handshakes.” The council boss urged residents to be cautious of the way they rear pets including cats, even as he hinted that sanitary officials of the council would start monitoring the area to ensure that animals that are prone to the virus are kept at bay. He enjoined undertakers and Muslim clerics who take care of corpses to seek

By Basirat Braimah

enough information about such dead ones before embarking on their job to avoid being infected with the virus. The council, Akeem pledged, would take the campaign to every nook and cranny of his domain to make sure that the people embrace the necessary attitude about their hygiene against the dreaded virus because, according to him, “prevention is better that cure.” At the event, jointly coordinated by the council Supervisor, Mr Tunde Osinbajo and Medical Officer for Health, Dr Elizabeth Fatuyi, community and religious leaders, market men and women, among others, were attendance. Fatuyi, who demonstrated hand-washing as a preventive measure that residents must take seriously, told the gathering that the Akeemled administration had provided protective coats, face masks, gloves, antiseptic soaps and other items for use in its health centres.

•Hon. Akeem (left) and his Vice, Hon. Kolade Alabi, during the meeting.

30 metres away from where this ugly incident occurred, there was a police patrol team looking for motorists to stop, demand particulars, and extort money from. There is also a police post opposite there; still, motorists drive in fear. The commissioner of Police and Area Commander in charge of the place should call their men to order and advise them on how to do these things right. They should not wait until someone is killed by these hoodlums in the traffic before they will swing into action.” Nwachukwu said it was not the first time he was witnessing such incident, adding that he had also fallen victim at Mile2. “It is an incident that occurs every day and I believe that the moment the hood-

lums know that the police are living up to their responsibility by arresting them, they would stay off the roads,” he added. Other motorists said the same incident often happened whenever there was traffic jam at the popular Toyota under bridge from Orile to Mile 2; between Contain Bridge and Orile/ Alakija area along Mile 2/ Badagry Expressway. At Toyota under bridge, just by the link road to Airport Road from Oshodi, two motorcycles belonging to the Rapid Response Squad of the state police command are always parked there with no policeman in sight, while robbers have a field day robbing motorists. Motorists going to Airport Road from Mile 2, it

was gathered, are not spared, despite the presence of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), not too far from a newspaper house. Similarly, whenever a vehicle breaks down in most part of the metropolis, hoodlums will appear from nowhere, pretend that they want to assist the driver and rob him. A victim told The Nation that he had a flat tyre along Apapa/Oshodi Expressway and before he knew what was happening, about 10 hoodlums rushed out from nowhere and offered to help him push the car off the road; but because he was with his driver, he rejected the offer. “The next thing they did was to start demanding money. They said I should

•Manko

give them N20,000 or they would vandalise the car. I pleaded with them and gave them N10,000 because I had my phones, laptop and tablet in the car. The hoodlums took the money and disappeared,” the victim said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

SHOWBIZ

Invasion 1897: Lancelot Imasuen delights at media unveiling, screening A

Jimmy Jatt covers Red Sheet magazine

IKE a woman who was experiencing the proverbial seventh heaven after being safely delivered of her baby, ace filmmaker and director, Lancelot Imasuen, was in palpable joy last Thursday at the media unveiling and first screening of his muchanticipated epic movie, Invasion 1897, at the cinema room of Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. At the well-attended event anchored by ex-Big Brother Africa winner, model and TV presenter, Uti Nwachukwu, there was both spoken and unspoken agreement among the audience comprising media professionals and Nollywood stars that the historical movie is the end result of a great artistic work which had put the cast and crew through their paces while the production lasted. Although Imasuen had been on a number of international TV stations to promote the breath-taking feature movie, the event, no doubt, literally marked a milestone in the life of the movie, as some promotional materials like post cards, posters as well as its trailer were unveiled, amidst enthusiastic responses by the audience. Imasuen, who profusely

By Babatunde Sulaiman

expressed his gratitude to the sponsors of the movie, first took the audience on a voyage around the making of the film. He likened it to a food that had taken some efforts to cook. But confident that it would leave a good after-taste, he didn’t have any reservation inviting the critical media professionals and colleagues to first gorge themselves on it. “The food is ready and the snippet of it is what we have invited you to come and see,” he said with glee. Giving some background details about the movie, he further said: “The research and scripting took about 10 months to one year and the production took one year and 10 months. We shot in Benin from April 9, 2012 to May 10, 2012 for the bits in Nigeria. Then, we had a break. Later, we started the postproduction…and the scenes to be shot in London, which took about one year and eight months before we were able to actualise that. Then, we started the post-production from Benin to Lagos and from Lagos to the United Kingdom and then Hollywood, U.S., where the actual film was finalised.” Indeed, it was not an empty boast, as the over 10-minute preview of the movie further accentuated his artistic inge-

nuity as well as the thematic preoccupation of the film. From the clips, Invasion 1897 is gripping. It evokes, in an engaging way, the evil visited on the Benin Kingdom, while celebrating the heroic struggles of the lead character played by Mike Omoriegbe. The visual effects, which were done by Nigerians, bear testimony to what the future holds for Nigerian, nay African films. The court room scene in London is spellbinding. The costumes, props et al are awesome. Above all, the film has a great appeal. Soon after the preview, Imasuen, who disclosed that four of the characters died within four years of the movie production, further said: “Change has never been easy anywhere in the world. For years, I have been telling people that they are making a mistake judging us from what they have seen of Nollywood. The capacity is here and that is the point I wanted to prove with this film to the glory of God. The Association of Movie Producers (AMP), for the first time, gave an endorsement to a film; the Directors Guild of Nigeria ( DGN), Centre for Black and Africa Arts and Civilization( CBAAC), Society for Theatre Artistes, Association of International Theatre Critics, among others, have all sent their endorsements for this film. In fact, the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) has fully taken over the film, saying the President must see it since this is the first government that is coming out boldly to support Nollywood. For the outlook, because of the international acceptance, I went to Film Look Studios in Hollywood. But we have bought

the machine. Nollywood, this is your product.” The national president of the Association of Movie Producers, Zik Zulu Okafor, didn’t agree less with Imasuen. According to him, it is time Nigerian filmmakers began to write a new chapter in the history of Nollywood. “We have been able to tell the African story and showcase the African costumes, norms, values and the totality of our ways of life; but now, we are moving to the next level to tell the world that we can compete internationally and meet international benchmarks. But beyond the artistic excellence, it is important for the media to begin to appreciate the scholarship that this film challenges us to see. This is not a Nigerian film; it is an African film. We need to understand that if the Benin massacre didn’t happen, the African story would be different. This movie doesn’t only challenge us to raise the bar professionally, but it is asking us to do some research about the African story and the massacre of the Benin Kingdom. We have celebrated the Wole Soyinkas and I bow to them for their achievements, but it is time to look into the artistic minds of some younger people like Imasuen. We need to know what is driving him, the workings of his mind and his psyche. Also, Uzoma Eshikire, who stood in for Senator Daisy Danjuma, the executive producer of the movie, described it as an excellent work, adding that “It is interesting that it is coming out of Nigeria by one of our own; we didn’t leave it for the oyinbos to come and get us together to do this.” Another Nollywood great

and newly appointed Director-General of the Abuja International Film Festival, Fred Amata, who lauded Imasuen’s artistic gift, said: “Even before we saw the film, we had decided that we needed to do something different at this year’s Abuja International Film Festival. We needed to seek some of the things we can proudly say are coming out of Nigeria. We agreed that we have a guy who can deliver what we need as our premiere movie for the Festival for this year and we thought of Lancelot’s Invasion 1897.” Quoting the lead actor’s line during a court trial in London, he said the capacity obtainable in Nigeria to dominate the world in films had been showcased in Invasion 1897. “This is the capacity we want to show the President at the festival. When the lead actor asks the question: ‘So, it (the artifacts) has been there (London) for 100 years, but does it belong to you? It belongs to me!’ So, filmmaking belongs to us, Africans,” he said. The movie is based on the invasion of the great Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897, who then carted off Benin arts and artifacts which, till date, still adorn some museums around the world. It stars both Nigerian and British actors like Segun Arinze, Charles Inojie, Nosa Ehimwen, Paul Obazele, Leo Mezie, Mike Omoriegbe( Oba Ovonrawmen), Idiata Otiagbe, the late Justus Esiri( in a cameo) Rudolph Walker, Charles “Chucky” Venn, Annika Álofti, Garett Mort, Hannah Raehse-Felstead, Tim Robinson, Rob Spackman, Patrick Thompson and Keith Davinson.

ANTP: Elders pass vote of confidence in Victor Ashaolu

HE Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has passed a vote of confidence on Victor Ashaolu and his leadership style in running the affairs of the association. The motion was passed when some elders met at the private residence of the chairman, ANTP-Incorporated Trustees, Chief Lere Paimo (MFR), in Ibadan, Oyo State after his acceptance of the position. According to information, the ANTP

elders, who met last Wednesday, August 13, also agreed to abide with the resolutions and decisions taken at the 2014 ANTP 4th quadrennial delegates’ conference held on Friday, July 11, at Orange Hotels, Bolorunduro, Ilesa, Osun State. Other resolutions adopted by the ANTP elders included the inauguration of the women’s wing of the association on April 24, in Lagos as well as cautioning the aggrieved ANTP members.

The ANTP elders also commended the delegates’ conference resolutions and decisions on some burning issues. Among those who attended the meeting were Chief Lere Paimo(MFR), ElHajj Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Baba Olowomojuore (Baba Gebu), Alhaji Yekeen Oloyede (Baba Legba), Alhaji Mustapha Eletu (Baba Eletu), Baba Taiwo Akanni, Alfa Yisa Alabi Olorunoje and Comrade Victor Ashaolu.

HEAD of his silver celebrations, renowned DJ and music producer, Jimmy Adewale Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt, has graced the cover of the current issue of Red Sheet magazine. In the edition, the awardwinning DJ opened up on his family, his career and how his passion for music, particularly as a disc jockey, had evolved over the years. An icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry, his first single, Stylee, which featured Tuface Idibia, Modenine and Elajoe, enjoyed impressive airplay and the music video stayed on the MTV Africa countdown for weeks. It also won him several awards like Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip hop World Award, Sound City Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award, among others. Over the years, Red Sheet magazine, a lifestyle publication, has featured a number of celebrities on its cover. In its latest issue, Jimmy Jatt appears dapper with his style: three-piece blue suit, a white shirt, a striped tie, a brown hat and his signature dark shades. Meanwhile, his biography titled Avant-Garde: The Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt story,was presented yesterday. Announcing the completion of the book, co-author, Toni Kan, said: “Every new book comes with its own special feeling, just like every child. You spend months writing and rewriting and then publishers and printers take over. My partner, Peju, and I just took delivery of our latest biography project: AvantGarde: The Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt story. And it feels mighty good.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Jonathan’s hooded democracy •Nigerians should be asking questions about this dangerous dimension in the country

LTHOUGH the August 9 governorship curity persons, in obvious desecration of milielection in Osun State has come and tary and security institutions’ integrity in Osun gone, we note with consternation how State, seemed to affirm this long forgotten adthe election was crudely militarised. Shock- monition. Were these hooded military and ingly, an elevated record of impunity, far DSS men the snipers that Obasanjo was talkabove the awful Ekiti State election example, ing about? The wearing of unconventional outfits and was set when a hooded cast of men in military uniform, Department of State Services hoods during election creates a philosophical (DSS) and policemen manned checkpoints contradiction in the presidency’s battle against and raided designated homes of politicians, terrorism. This is well amplified in view of to illegally harass, intimidate and psychologi- the fact that Boko Haram terrorists, also from cally traumatise opposition politicians. This reports and pictures, dress in army uniforms does not speak well of the country in the com- and are sometimes hooded. Proceeding from ity of civilised democratic nations, especially this, we ask, what justification does Dr. coming from an administration that touts it- Jonathan have in combating Boko Haram terrorists in hoods and army uniforms? His adself as out to promote credible elections. The Gestapo-like hooded security style is ministration’s imprimatur in this sartorial outalien to our democracy even as it clearly un- fit rids him of any high moral purpose. What Jonathan and his service chiefs did derscores a low in the savage and abysmal practice of the rule of law under President during that election was fit only for terrorist Goodluck Jonathan. Notable politicians of the zones and season and not areas/states inhabAll Progressives Congress (APC) and their ited by decent and law-abiding people. From supporters were harassed by military, police this point of view, it is hard for this governand DSS men, while a flabbergasted nation watched. Suspicious men in military and DSS uniforms; their faces shielded behind black cloths and well fortified with assorted rifles such as AK-47 assault rifles, pistols and other weapons terrorised the people before and during that election. Democracy cannot be celebrated under an avoidable atmosphere of ferocious siege and criminal infliction of state’s instrument of coercion on tax payers that are out to discharge their civic duty during an election. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government exhibited a lack of finesse as only its party members and supporters were deemed to be above the law. Others in the opposition could be arrested, even for doing nothing, or on the lame excuse of ‘loitering.’ Consequently, Lai Mohammed, national spokesman of the APC, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Afolabi Salisu, Deputy Chief of Staff to Ogun State governor and countless others •One of the hooded men (arrowed) behind Omisore tasted the harassment of these unknown security personnel. The resort to these mystery security personnel signifies a perilous moment for democratic governance in Nigeria. The people, the world over, are the hallmark of the electoral process if credible elections are indeed to be guaranteed. But this cannot be assured in the midst of state support of inhuman/criminal persecution and terrorisation of some Nigerians by doubtful security personnel that President Jonathan is gradually turning into the enforcement arm of his ruling PDP, without any modicum of decency. We arrived at this position, without being immodest, because no single PDP chieftain was arrested by these goons despite the presence of PDP chieftains such as Chris Uba, Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State for Defence, among others, who were rather protected by these shadowy security men. We recollect that former President Olusegun Obasanjo sometime ago alerted the nation through his letter to the president that he (president) was, among other things, training not less than 1,000 snipers. The presidency publicly denied this but recent events, especially the deployment of the hooded se-

ment to condemn the terrorists for impersonation when a group of men unknown to law are parading themselves in army uniform. More condemnable is that, the PDP governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore, proudly pranced about with a hooded man as his security guard. This is not only an endorsement by the upper notches of the military but also from the political high brass of the PDP of which President Jonathan is head.Yet, his APC counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, never had such concession of security. One of the most sanctified, inalienable human rights is the right to vote and be voted for

in an atmosphere of tranquillity which is now baselessly being denied in the country. We ask: What has happened to the rule of law as enshrined in our constitution? Under what constitutional cover did the hooded security and the unknown soldiers taken to Osun operate? Under what division did they operate and who authorised such absurd operation? Could the president justify such affront to the integrity of the military of which he is the Commander-in-Chief? Who was to be held responsible for the criminal breaches that occurred before and during that election? That untenable impunity is an indictment of the president, his National Security Adviser, the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff, Director-General of SSS and the Inspector-General of Police under whose aagis the integrity of the military, police and intelligence services were greatly eroded. It is still incomprehensible that in the face of routine barbarities of Boko Haram onslaughts in the north-east and a largely de-motivated military, the president still had the effrontery to deploy the military to illegally prosecute elections in the nation for his selfish 2015 presidential ambition. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot exonerate itself from blame in the entire notorious illegality. We deprecate the commission’s cold silence over the entire matter. The commission needs to state whether it raised security concerns that necessitated the militarisation of the Osun election process. In future elections, we expect INEC to live up to its autonomous status by preventing glaring subversion of its role of conducting election in an atmosphere that is devoid of intimidation. It is indefensible that not less than 73,000 ‘security agents’, including the military, police, DSS, Civil Defence and alleged ex-militants were deployed for that election. We believe that INEC ought not have tolerated the militarisation of that election, assuming it never told the authorities that there were security concerns in the state. On the DSS, we have not seen any provision in the constitution that backs that service. The DSS is therefore an illegality. We hope that the Osun State impunity will not be repeated in the approaching 2015 general elections. In defiance, the President has declared that he would deploy the troops. This is wrong and wrong-headed. We call on the opposition and other stakeholders in the current democratic dispensation to quickly approach the court to seek clarifications over whether the president has the power to deploy the military, whether hooded or not, for elections when there is no imminent threat of an insurrection. This is as important as it is urgent so as to prevent the president and his ruling PDP from returning the country to an era of the savage rule. The process leading to an election is as important as its result.

‘Former President Olusegun Obasanjo sometime ago alerted the nation through his letter to the president that he (president) was, among other things, training not less than 1,000 snipers. The presidency publicly denied this but recent events, especially the deployment of hooded security personnel, in obvious desecration of military and security institutions’ integrity in Osun, seemed to affirm this long forgotten admonition. Were these hooded military and DSS men the snipers that Obasanjo was talking about? ‘

Ebola is not an invincible superbug

HE Ebola epidemic raging through west Africa has highlighted not only the terrible state of the region’s public health infrastructure but also

the low priority given worldwide to developing treatments for tropical diseases. Six months into the outbreak, with the official death toll rising quickly past 1,000 and unofficial estimates much higher, health authorities are only now beginning to evaluate the pipeline of medicines that might be available to treat or prevent infection. The most striking aspect of this pipeline is how many experimental candidates there are; at least 15 Ebola drugs and a dozen vaccines have been developed as far as pre-clinical (animal) testing. Scientifically, Ebola is an easier target than viruses such as HIV and flu because it does not mutate so rapidly. Unfortunately, however, none of the candidates has been put through the far more expensive process of clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy against Ebola. The US government has been the chief funder of research so far – more as a precaution in case bioterrorists use Ebola as a weapon than out of a commitment to African health. A global partnership between governments, charities and the pharmaceutical industry is needed to push the most promising candidates through clinical development. These may not arrive in time for the current epidemic but could be stockpiled for future outbreaks, which experts say are certain to occur. As with the new antibiotics needed urgently to tackle microbial resistance, there is little financial justification for companies to develop such drugs without some sort of advance purchase commitment or other market incentive from the public sector. But the immediate issue is who should have access to the extremely limited supplies of experimental medicines likely to be available within the next few weeks. The World Health Organisation held a meeting on Monday at which scientists and ethicists agreed unanimously that untested new drugs could be given to Ebola patients, subject to certain conditions such as informed consent and transparency about the outcome of treatment. While that was a welcome decision, the WHO regrettably failed to combine it with advice on who should receive any available medicines. There is an overwhelming argument for giving them first to healthcare workers. Doctors and nurses need all the support they can get to fight the disease and help patients under appalling conditions. They should receive every incentive, from prompt payment of salaries to priority access to medication. The epidemic will be brought under control more quickly if people who think they may be infected know they can go to an adequately staffed hospital, rather than hiding away at home, or in the bush, where they are more likely to pass on the disease. Though patients will not receive specific anti-Ebola drugs, they are more likely to survive with hospital care that ensures they are well hydrated and as comfortable as possible. The Ebola virus is one of the nastiest germs known to humanity, in its lethality and in the horrible way it kills, but we should not regard it as an invincible superbug. Its biology and genetics are well known after almost 40 years of scientific study, and about 40 previous outbreaks in central Africa have been stopped. While the present epidemic is the largest and most complex on record – and, lest we forget, by far the most devastating in its effect on affected communities – it too can be beaten through a combination of infection control, contact tracing and local solidarity. Yes, a supply of safe and effective medicines would help enormously, and with sufficient political will we should have one in time for the next Ebola epidemic, but it is not the key to victory. – Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: When I reflect on the ingenuity of the Igbos in the field of commerce, the entrepreneurial skills of the Yorubas, the agrarian prowess of the Hausas/Fulanis and the Niger Delta people, I have no reason to doubt the leadership position of Nigeria in the comity of nations. As the only country in the world with the largest concentration of black people on earth, I believe God has a purpose of keeping us together as a people. As a people, we have all come from various rich cultural backgrounds with tales of our forebears that toiled through thick and thin to settle at the present locations we all find ourselves. We can as a matter of importance tap from this cultural heritage to develop something positive to teach the world. Already by act of providence, our numerical strength has brought us to the

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Nigeria, hope of Black race

limelight. All we need to do is to put our acts together, sharpen our political philosophy by enthroning quality leadership and insisting on doing the right and positive things that will enhance our leadership position in Africa. As the rest of black Africa are looking up to us to provide the needed leadership, what indeed are they learning from us? Are we teaching

them that in our democracy, an incumbent can never lose an election even when smaller countries like Ghana, Malawi and Ivory Coast have already outgrown that? Are we telling them that in our democracy, sovereignty no longer resides with the people but rather with the military? Are we teaching them that election rigging is the sure way of bring back an ineffective leader to power instead

of allowing the people’s power to suffice? Are they learning from us that democracy is no longer the right of every eligible citizen to vote and be voted for but rather is muttered through the barrel of guns? Or are we teaching them that politics is no more a game where concerned and visionary citizens go into to fight for an opportunity to provide required leadership in the interest of majority

stowed on the nation by nature. It is so bad that we have to sell it out cheaply to foreign countries in its raw form and buy it back to the country in a very high price. The EVD has totally eaten all our four refineries and prevented us from rehabilitating them. The official price of a litre of petrol is N97.00 in a country where many live below two American dollars per day. As if this is not enough, the erratic power supply in the country forces many Nigerians to procure at least one “I better pass my neigh-

bor” generating set. After paying the NEPA/PHCN for their ineptitude; we still go ahead to buy fuel to the power generating set. Heavy presence of the virus is equally felt on our major roads where most of them have turned death-trap over the years. It is so saddening that 53 years after independence, we’ve not been able to link our six geo-political zones with good roads. Ilorin-Ibadan highway has been under construction for more than a decade.

The greatest Ebola virus killing the Nigerian system are the politicians, who deceive the unsuspecting electorates to get what they want only to disappear after each election and reappear four years later when another election is due. Having impoverished the masses, the Nigerian politicians have recently developed a new political concept now known as “stomach infrastructure”. . Ishowo Lateef, Ilorin, Kwara State

breadth dismissing its members. It is totally unacceptable to Nigerians that at the period where more medical personnel are required to put an end to the Ebola menace and other diseases in the country, the government is decimating the number. It is quite disturbing that government is yet to find a lasting solution to these incessant strikes by doctors and other health workers. The federal government’s action is tantamount to cutting off the head of a patient in lieu of treating the headache. Certainly, this is not the part of the much taunted state of emergency declared recently by the federal government on the public health sector as one of the ways of combating the Ebola Virus Disease in the land. It is equally inconceivable that the same government who recently introduced the so-called life insurance for health workers in the country would now embark on this dead mission. It is left to be seen how this action will help to galvanise the populace in a fight

against the deadly virus. While one is not holding brief for the striking doctors especially in the light of the outbreak, it is, however, imperative to state that they have not be fairly treated. It is completely scandalous that an average Nigerian medical doctor in the public hospital earns N5,000 as hazard allowance. The implication is that if a medical doctor becomes infected with while treating victims, he/she is only entitled to N5,000 as allowance for the hazard! Little wonder, there is a brain drain in our health sector. Most doctors prefer to leave the country’s shore in search for greener pastures. This leaves the nation’s health sector perpetually comatose. This doldrums have been allowed to fester because government officials and their cronies can always afford foreign medical treatment at the detriment of the poor masses. All the fire brigade approaches being now adopted to combat the Ebola outbreak ordinarily ought to be in

Ebola permeates our system

IR: As dangerous as HIV/AIDS is, the disease has suddenly become less precarious with the presence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in our midst. The virus has probably enabled HIV/AIDS carriers to have cause to thank their stars; one is at least better than the other. With Ebola’s presence in a body, the soul is no longer certain of going further distance. From Lagos to Damaturu, Calabar to Oturpo, Yola to Sagamu, Ilorin to Owerri, Nigerians are gripped in the fear of the deadly disease. For once, Nigerians have almost forgotten the Boko Haram. Members of the dangerous sect are equally as afraid of the disease as several other Nigerians. But long before the arrival of the invisible EVD, there has been the presence of the virus in our systems and all aspects of our lives. There is for instance a heavy presence of EVD in our power sector that has over the years since independence made the sector permanently comatose. To fix the problem in our power sector will be tantamount to finding solution to EVD. For more than 53 years now, we’ve been battling with the fluctuating fortunes of the power sector. Our education sector is not left out. The situation in that sector is so bad that many Nigerian students are now finding solace in the Universities of such neighbouring countries as Ghana, Benin Republic, and South Africa to mention but few. The virus has equally eaten deep into our oil sector that common Nigerians have not been benefitting from the resources abundantly be-

of the people but rather a game which is now a bulwark for mediocres, political neophytes and men of low reasoning or easy virtue who go into it for self-aggrandizement or to persecute unsuspecting political foes? These questions are asked in view of the events playing out in the country as the countdown to 2015 elections begins. The impeachment saga targeted at members of the opposition, the militarization of our electioneering process (Osun and Ekiti states as a case study), the intimidation of political opponents through the use of public institutions etc are factors indicative of how next year’s elections will look like. But whatever may be the case it will be pertinent to state here that if we fail to get it right in 2015, and if we fail to keep this big house together to enable us keep the hope of black man alive, I think no one should be blamed if he gives up on the project of nation-building and no African nation should even be blamed if she removes her hope on Nigeria and pitches it elsewhere. But I know that Nigeria shall not, will not and cannot dash the hope of the black man because personal ambition of anybody can never override the ambitions of over 170 million Nigerians and indeed several millions of the black Africans out there. This is the reason why we must get it right in 2015 to still keep Nigeria as the hope of the black race. • Wenenda W. Weli Elibrada Emohua, Rivers State.

Doctors’ sack, setback for Ebola war

IR: A twist has been added in the ongoing fight against the ravaging Ebola outbreak in the country with the directive by the Presidency that residency training for medical doctors in Nigeria be suspended indefinitely in all the government hospitals. The directive is nothing but a euphemism for mass dismissal of over 16, 000 doctors. The action is not only flawed, it is illtimed and thoughtless, especially in the light of the ongoing crisis in the nation’s health sector. The latest action by the Federal Government at crippling the industrial action will lead the country to nowhere. If anything, it will bring more untold hardships on Nigerians and may further weaken the war against the deadly Ebola outbreak in the country. Government cannot blow hot and cold at the same time. It cannot be pleading with the NMA to drop its strike action for the sake of the ravaging Ebola disease and in another

place in the first place, if governments were sincere about addressing the rot in the health sector. The so-called life insurance scheme being proposed for health workers is a help too late and too little. President Barrack Obama rightly captured this malady in his speech at the recently held AmericaAfrica leaders summit when he chided African leaders for not doing enough in improving public health infrastructures . The underline lesson is that government does not have to wait for a major outbreak such as this before it puts in place necessary infrastructures and facilities. There can never be alternative to negotiation in labour dispute. Government should explore this option to its fullest rather than engaging in this knee-jerk approach. For public interest and sake of helpless patients, the striking medics should soft pedal and find a way of ending the logjam. •Barrister Okoro Gabriel, Ebonyi.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

COMMENTS

T was a phone conversation as narrated by a witty personality who was being celebrated for his services to the world of letters. Ambassador Oladapo Olusola Fafowora, 73, was speaking on behalf of the new Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) after their decoration, and he told the audience about a conversation he had with his grandchild who lives in England. “I am being honoured today,” he had said to the grandchild. In reply, he got a question: “For what?” Answer: “My investiture as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters will take place today.” Response: “So, you’ve been writing letters. And you’ve not written any to us.” Unsurprisingly, the tickled members of the audience greeted Fafowora’s brief account with laughter, and he went on to thank the NAL for the greatness thrust upon him and five others at the body’s 16th Convocation and the Investiture of New Fellows, which took place at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, on August 14. For clarification, it is important to note that these recipients had achieved greatness on their various paths, and the NAL crown simply represented a further validation. But it was sufficiently significant for Fafowora who described the academy as a “prestigious club”. He said with convincing feeling: “I felt immensely proud that I had been considered.” Inaugurated in 1991, the Nigerian Academy of Letters is positioned as “an apex organisation of Nigerian academics and scholars in the Humanities to promote, maintain and encourage excellence in all branches of humanistic studies”; “and is intended to cater for a very important body of disciplines of vital importance to the development and refinement of Nigerian Society.” The ceremony of decorating the stars was marked by serious grandeur, which was fitting for a festivity of cerebral fecundity. The orator and a NAL Fellow, Professor Olu Obafemi, read the citations to an impressed and admiring audience, and each recipient mounted the stage to be dressed in a red-and-gold gown and a black cap reflecting the new status. Two of them, Prof. Festus Agboola Adesanoye and Prof. Philip Adedotun Ogundeji, were honoured as Regular Fellows. Prof. Olabiyi Yai was

‘It is enlightening that Egbokhare identified what he called “the unholy trinity” as a grave impediment to the country’s progress. The unhelpful trio: “lack of knowledge of history; lack of understanding of history; and lack of application of the lessons of history.” He reasoned that a correction of this chain of retrogression would hopefully bring about “an ethically-balanced leadership and an informed people,” which would result in the country’s transformational glory. What a dream!’

TRATEGIC communication remains a critical success factor or element of any human endeavor, issue or institution. Strategic communication is a well-planned and well-coordinated means of passing well-designed messages from an individual or institution to its identified stakeholders or general public at the right time, in the right quantity to achieve well-defined objectives. Strategic communication, therefore, involves a carefullyplanned and systematically delivered message with the purpose of creating a desired understanding, goodwill, support or behaviour for a particular course of action, policy or programme. Information is power, and must be used appropriately to achieve desired results. My submission here is that there is acute need to apply strategic communication or effective information management in dealing with the current outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus dDsease (EVD) in Nigeria; and indeed in all the countries where the disease has been reported. For now, raw information, in my considered view, is just being dished out unprofessionally, insensitively, without weighing their implications and imports, sociologically and psychologically on the people and residents of Nigeria. What is flowing into the public space is unguarded, unprocessed information that has capacity to aggravate the sad situation we have found on our hands. While CNN and the US health officials are dishing out positive information about how the two infected Americans, Dr. Kent Brantly’s and Nancy Writebol’s conditions have significantly improved after receiving a medication of an experimental drug, ZMap at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, their Nigerian counterparts are unmindfully reeling out frightening information about the number of Nigerian doctors and nurses that have been infected, how many persons are being quarantined or isolated, how there is no cure for Ebola, blab bla bla! What exactly is the objective for this kind of information dissemination? Top government health officials have inadvertently engaged in much misinformation and outright poor information management about the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. There is the urge to rush to the press to announce something. Such unprofessional information (mis)management has only achieved widespread tension, fear and panic among health workers, immigration officers, airport and airline workers, family members of sick persons and the general public. This would eventually degenerate into stigmatization of anyone who falls sick especially as the symptoms of EVD are same with those of common illness in Nigeria such as malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea, etc. Very soon many clinics and hospitals may close down for fear of their personnel contracting the disease. Many bereaved persons may become

Celebration of cerebration

decorated as an Overseas Fellow. Three others were categorised as Honorary Fellows: Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia Anohu, Amb. Oladapo Olusola Fafowora and Olori (Dr.) Olatokunbo Gbadebo. The orator highlighted Adesanoye’s scholarship in Communication and Language Arts, and described Ogundeji as a “Yoruba theatre aesthete and theorist.” Yai was called “a veritable and versatile polyglot; literary and stylistics scholar and a global intellectual.” Fafowora was painted as “a distinguished and seasoned diplomat with high-profile intimidating engagements.” Gbadebo’s portrait was that of “a scholar, publisher and an entrepreneur with a chequered professional profile.” Interestingly, when it was her turn to receive the scroll of honour, royal trumpeters spiced the ceremony with significative notes that bespoke her standing as a queen, the wife of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. Anohu was not present, and it would have been interesting to know why she was considered for the garland. Perhaps appropriately, the ceremonial aspects of the event were effectively underscored by the convocation lecture which provided an unambiguously intellectual flavour. The lecturer and a NAL Fellow, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, focused on the theme, “Ethical Dimensions of Citizenship.” It is a testimony to the relevance of the academy that it came up with such a critical subject matter in the context of centrifugal tensions in the polity. It was instructive that Fafowora described the lecture as “very illuminating”, and praised Egbokhare for his coruscating brilliance and multidimensional method. Fafowora, who holds a PhD and has a History background, said: “I think History is now better approached from a multidisciplinary point of view.” Indeed, Egbokhare’s lecture did not betray his specialisation in Linguistics as he traversed various disciplines,

including history, political science, sociology, anthropology, philosophy and literature. Fundamentally, he argued that ethnic pluralism has been negatively exploited by the country’s ruling elite and educated elite, and stressed that “the problem basically is not ethnicity.” So, what is the problem? Egbokhare tried to establish a relationship between “the citizenship question, the national question and the leadership question,” and arrived at the conclusion that “leadership is the bonding glue, the inspiration that drives nationalism.” He said: “Everything boils down to leadership.” Also, he explored the concept of “ethical citizenship,” and argued that it could not be divorced from “the worth of the individual.” He asked: “What is the worth of Nigerian citizenship?” His answer to the question was that the citizenship value was defined by the country’s Human Development Indices, and in this regard the picture is lamentably ugly. It is noteworthy and thought-provoking that the NAL President, Prof. Munzali Jibril, made striking remarks on the country’s position on the human development ladder in his presidential address at the event in which he referred to the 2013 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), a project of the respected Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Nigeria was disgracefully ranked 41st on the 52-country IIAG list, reflecting a country whose leaders enjoy the flattering tag, “giant of Africa”, without thinking like giants. The country not only scored lower than the continental average (51.6), it also ridiculously scored lower than the regional average (52.5) for West Africa. Assessment was based on four key areas: Safety and Rule of Law, Participation and Human Rights, Sustainable Economic Opportunity and Human Development. It is also relevant to draw attention to the observation by the World Bank President Jim Yong Kim at the April IMF/ World Bank Spring Meetings, where he restated that Nigeria was among the top five countries with the largest number of the poor. Scandalously, the country ranks third on this list of infamy behind India (with 33 percent of the world’s poor) and China (13 percent). With 7 percent of the “wretched of the earth”, the country is ahead of Bangladesh (6 percent) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (5 percent). Together these countries are home to nearly 760 million impoverished people. The portrait of indigence is a tragically inexcusable irony for an oil-rich country, and puts a huge question mark on the quality of governance at all political levels in the country. It is enlightening that Egbokhare identified what he called “the unholy trinity” as a grave impediment to the country’s progress. The unhelpful trio: “lack of knowledge of history; lack of understanding of history; and lack of application of the lessons of history.” He reasoned that a correction of this chain of retrogression would hopefully bring about “an ethically-balanced leadership and an informed people,” which would result in the country’s transformational glory. What a dream!

Ebola: Managing public information By Jossy Nkwocha afraid of burying their dead and leave the corpses to decompose in their homes. Already, many people are no longer shaking people’s hands. I’m told that many medical personnel have started absenting themselves from work because of the fear of contracting Ebola. Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu gleefully announced that a Nigerian doctor who attended to late Sawyer has tested positive to the deadly EVD, and three other health workers have become symptomatic of the disease. Lagos State chapter chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Tope Ojo, equally announced that the matron of the hospital who also attended to Sawyer was showing symptoms of Ebola virus. This kind of unprofessional information dissemination has heightened the apprehension about this Ebola epidemic. More worrisome is the fact that government is not saying anything about measures being taken to save the lives of those who have tested positive to the disease. We are only told how they are being isolated … to die or to recover! Such hopeless information has also impacted negatively on Nigeria’s image outside the country. Just last week, a South Korean university (Duksung Women’s University) rescinded an invitation for three Nigerians to attend an international conference it was co-hosting with the United Nations; and a group of South Korean medical volunteers called off a trip to West Africa amid growing concerns about the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. One of the misinformation already dished out about the Ebola disease is that it has no vaccine or drug; therefore it is incurable; that anyone who contracts the disease will die. This is not exactly correct. A search at the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that many people have survived this disease in Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Guinea where the disease broke out about March this year. According to WHO, as at July 23, a total of 1,201 cases of the disease and resultant 672 deaths had been recorded in the three West African countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), which gives a case fatality rate of 55-60%. This statistics was updated on August 4, by WHO, showing more cases and more deaths, with one death of a Liberian, Patrick Sawyer in Nigeria, but the fatality rate remained around 55%. A WHO bulletin showed that many patients have survived the disease as a result of prompt medical care and intensive supportive care. According to WHO, the patients who are

frequently dehydrated need intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions that contain electrolytes. This is one piece of good news! Pray, when a government health official continues to emphasize that Ebola disease has no cure or vaccine, what does he intend to achieve with that message? It is not surprising that during a recent visit to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Director-General of WHO, Dr Margaret Chan, emphasized on the need to “improve information and communications systems in an effort to strengthen sensitization and promote community participation, taking into account cultural contexts.” Effective communication or proper information management is key to fighting the scourge of the Ebola epidemic. We need to control or guard the dissemination of information about the disease. Government needs to upgrade its public enlightenment and education programme about how to prevent the spread of the disease; send those infected to the US hospital; provide needed laboratory facilities; provide appropriate testing facilities at entry points; and go the whole hug in researching the effectiveness or otherwise of our own bitter kola in providing the needed cure for this deadly Ebola disease. We need action and a message of hope. • Dr. Nkwocha is head of corporate communications for a multinational company in Nigeria.

‘A WHO bulletin showed that many patients have survived the disease as a result of prompt medical care and intensive supportive care. According to WHO, the patients who are frequently dehydrated need intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions that contain electrolytes. This is one piece of good news! Pray, when a government health official continues to emphasize that Ebola disease has no cure or vaccine, what does he intend to achieve with that message?’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

COMMENTS

ITHIN the last one week or so, a number of actions have been initiated from so many fronts to giver a glimmer of events to follow as we approach the 2015 elections. Not unexpectedly, these have raised the stakes which the various sections attach to that election. Primordial and sectional coloration seem to dominate perception and attitudes towards unfolding political events. The way political persons and sundry actors react to events tend to reinforce some of the scepticisms regarding the capacity of the Nigerian state to withstand extant systemic stress beyond 2015. Political stakes are so high and some of the problems that have dogged this country are beginning to find explanation around events leading to that election. Whether people pose as concerned citizens on the lingering insurgency or the conscience of their zones in ensuring that the constitution is not subverted, these tendencies are easily perceptible. These seemingly damning assertions fit into the ultimatum issued by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to President Jonathan on the insecurity in the country. They also relate to the reaction of northern delegates to the national conference on what they purported to be an attempt to smuggle a draft constitution into their deliberations with a view to securing a third term agenda for Jonathan. The latter has been laid to rest after a mere change of title of volume three of the national conference deliberations. In that curious statement credited to Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed and Solomon Dalung, the NEF tasked Jonathan to secure the

‘So it is not enough to heap the blame on the doorsteps of Jonathan. It is not enough to issue meaningless ultimatums. Those who host this insurgency within their regions have a higher responsibility to bring it to an end’

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Northern agenda and 2015 release of the Chibok girls and end the insecurity in the country before the end of October or forfeit his right to contest the 2015 elections. They said “indeed most of the conflicts in the north are being engineered to weaken the north both economically and politically by interests who intend to exploit such weaknesses for electoral benefits” “In the event the president fails to do this, Nigerians will be left with only one conclusion that he has forfeited his right to ask for our mandate beyond 2015” they asserted. Though it was not stated in what capacities Ahmed and Dalung endorsed the contentious statement, the fact that nobody has come out from within that forum to disown them suggests they had their mandate to issue it. We are thus, at liberty to presume that the views so expressed represent those of the forum. No doubt, the forum is within its rights to speak out on issues affecting the running of the country. This is more so when it speaks for a large segment of the country’s population. It views on matters affection the running of the country should therefore be taken very seriously. But its position on the raging insecurity in the country and the timeframe for its final resolution, are bound to attract diverse reactions. Their ultimatum to the President on when to end the lingering insurgency should be seen as a desperate recommendation to a desperate problem. They have a right to be worried by the larger consequences of the devastation wrought to their region by the

ARKETING is war. And in war, fair, some contend, is foul and foul is also fair. Winning, some gladiators argue, is all that matters! The public, the spectators, the customers who invariably constitute the majority understandably disagree with winning by all means. And they cannot be ignored. After all they determine the commercial success or failure of every effort, marketing or sporting! This explains the place of officiating and regulation in sporting and marketing activities respectively. Incidentally, in marketing, like in sports, the world is increasingly expecting ethical behaviour. This increases the burden on players, umpires and regulators. Marketing war is made fiercer because, the more documentation is done in form of regulation, the more smart marketers watch out for loopholes to explore. This search for and probable discovery of loopholes has intensified the long brewing war in the alcohol beverage industry in Nigeria. Observers maintain this might not abate soon but warn that care has to be taken to ensure that it does not degenerate into chaos. The war in the brewing industry shifted from the duopoly of Guinness Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries which went on for several decades to three three horse race that you now have with the bold entry of SAB Miller into the Nigerian market a few years ago. This ought to have been to the benefit of consumers. Industry watchers note with interest that Nigerian Breweries reacted swiftly to SAB Miller’s entry with its own acquisition efforts, while Guinness Nigeria made its own statement by expanding and upgrading its brewing lines in Edo and Lagos states. All these highlight the efforts of gladiators at showing readiness for battle and preparedness to win. Consumers should ordinarily be the ultimate winners from this keen competition. But has this been the case here? This appears not to be the case in Nigeria. The public watched helplessly as one notable player latched on the just concluded FIFA World Cup held in Brazil to armbush the agreement properly entered into between the Nigerian Football Federation and Guinness Nigeria with its ‘shine on Nigeria,’ campaign. To the chagrin of stakeholders, all the NFF could do was to issue a tame news release that was totally drowned by the well orchestrated marketing noise of the ‘intruder.’ Did the NFF enter into an agreement it had no power

hydra-headed insurgency. It is however one thing to have a right and a different kettle of fish how such a right is used. It would seem the NEF went beyond bounds when it directed Jonathan to end the insurgency by the end of this October. Not only is such an ultimatum unrealistic and unfeasible, it gives out the forum as a bunch of people nursing a hidden political agenda. That agenda was further reinforced when the NEF embarked on the very hazardous journey of constructing a positive linkage between the insurgency in the north and the inalienable right of Jonathan to seek political offices either in 2015 or beyond. It is rather curious that such a retrogressive demand is coming from such a body. Beyond that however, the ultimatum has brought to the fore some of the suspicions on the unending blood-letting and sundry atrocities of the Boko Haram insurgents. It has also brought to public domain the perceived reluctance of sections of the northern political elite to come out openly against the unmitigated madness which the insurgency represents. Before now, suspicions have been high that Boko Haram is nothing but political grievances seeking expression through violent and weird fundamentalist religious ideology. Not a few Nigerians hold this view. Security officials have often spoken of local and international dimensions to resurging terrorism in terms of its financing. They have also been working hard to unmask their local sponsors. It is a matter of great regret that the NEF has just lent credence to the suspicion that politics

is the leitmotif for the festering insurgency and northern political and religious elite may hold the ace to it. So it is not enough to heap the blame on the doorsteps of Jonathan. It is not enough to issue meaningless ultimatums. Those who host this insurgency within their regions have a higher responsibility to bring it to an end. Those who finance the terrorists; wire young girls with explosives for suicide expeditions have greater stakes in bringing the madness to an end. It is curious why the NEF went silent on this category of people. But the hypocrisy of the forum was further reinforced when it argued shamelessly that most of the conflicts in the north are engineered by those who want to weaken the region economically and politically for electoral advantage. This is not the first time we are hearing this from the north. But the proposition is not borne out of facts especially if the impression is conveyed that the conflicts are sponsored from outside the north. The Maitatsine uprisings of the 80s, the recurring religious riots in Kano, Kaduna and Zaria that killed many southerners and destroyed their properties were all internally engineered. The dastardly beheading of Gideon Akaluka did not come from outside. It is also of note that northern religious fanatics have severally taken laws into their hands killing and maiming on the guise of a cartoon or events outside the country they considered irreverent to their faith. How these fit into the assertions of the NEF remains largely illusory. The history of Boko Haram is very well known and northerners are to blame. The impression one gets from the unfolding events is that the north is desperate to stop Jonathan from the 2015 election by all means and through the back door. It is also getting clearer that Boko Haram may have been turned into a tool of blackmail for the north to realize the presidency come 2015. These feelings are quite scary. If insurgency and the continued incarceration of the Chibok girls are enough to deny Jonathan his right to seek political office, then elections may as well not hold until we get a final handle to them. That is the incongruity in stretching that argument further. That is the danger which the forum has brought to bear to the coming elections, all in a bid to satisfy sectional desires. Nothing can be more self-serving and unpatriotic.

Ethical issues in marketing communication By Kenneth Eze or willingness to enforce? Typically the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria (CPC) maintained studied silence. So, maybe the company in question had done nothing wrong. However, popular belief is that if a brand has gone the extra mile to enter into a proper agreement with the NFF that sees it lending support to Nigeria’s national team, other stakeholders ought to respect that agreement and existing relationship. The former Super Eagles’ stars that lined up for the “Shine on Nigeria” campaign ought to have known better and where they feign ignorance, it becomes the place of regulators to intervene and ensure sanity. How else does the average Nigerian football fan know which of these competitors is the true official sponsor of Nigerian football and makes the decision to reward its patriotism by increased patronage? Nigerian Breweries might have carefully studied the rule books so as to bend the rules instead of breaking them but this does not in any way absolve regulators from the obligation to play the umpire role bestowed on them by the laws of the land. In this case, both the APCON, CPC and Nigerian Breweries have questions to answer because everything is bad about killing other brands in order to grow your own. So it appears that SAB Miller’s strategic entry seems not to be the only thing reshaping competition in the sector. Unethical marketing practices by a leading competitor is having an overwhelming influence on the brewing industry in Nigeria and the consumer remains shortchanged because unethical marketing denies consumers of the right to make informed choices. This ought to have attracted the attention of well meaning Nigerians saddled with the responsibility of protecting consumers

and enforcing marketing as well as advertising standards in the interest of equity and fairness. There is also growing concern among stakeholders that the huge cry for corporate support for sports via sponsorship and professional marketing is being mocked by such unbecoming attitude by leading players. The act, the sports family insists, is capable of discouraging corporate sponsors from lending support to a sector in dire need. This is the more reason why regulatory authorities should have stepped forward to play their roles and preserve the sector threatened by an unethical marketing campaign. •Eze wrote from Lagos

‘There is also growing concern among stakeholders that the huge cry for corporate support for sports via sponsorship and professional marketing is being mocked by such unbecoming attitude by leading players. The act, the sports family insists, is capable of discouraging corporate sponsors from lending support to a sector in dire need’

BUSINESS

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively. They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

CEO

JOBS

Creating jobs through intellect - P. 32

‘Housing for all by 2020 unrealistic’ - P. 34

News Briefing ‘Managing Nigeria’s economy traumatising’ MANAGERS of the economy say they are traumatised by the continued loss of revenue. –Page 26

NNPC’s restructuring stalls NPDC’s MoU THE shake up in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its exploration and production arm, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), has stalled the signing of Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between the NPDC and the host comunities from which it acquired Shell’s divested assets in the Niger Delta region. –Page 26

MSMEs’ Fund for launch today THE N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSME) Fund designed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support entrepreneurs will be launched today by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. –Page 29

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil

-$117.4/barrel

Cocoa

-$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb RATES

Inflation

-8.2%

Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending

-15.87%

Savings rate

-3%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$38.4b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

-242.1

-156

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

• From left: Managing Director/CEO, UBA Asset Management Limited, Mrs Modupe Mujota; Head, Legal/ Trust Services, Union Trustees Limited, Mr. Ekom Umossoh; and Group Counsel, UBA Capital Group, Mr. Leo Okafor, at the Seventh Annual General Meeting (AGM) of UBA Mutual Funds managed by UBA Asset Management Limited in Lagos.

Recapitalisation: Stockbrokers mull S mergers, acquisitions TOCKBROKERS are considering mergers and acquisitions and new capital issue as alternative plans to stave off the threat of liquidation as the December 31 deadline for new capital base for stockbrokers and other operators draws near. Reliable sources at an emergency meeting called by the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) told The Nation that stockbrokers reached a consensus on the need to develop alternative plans to ensure that as many operators as possible scale the hurdle. The plan is expected to serve as a rescue option in the event that ongoing engagement on the new capital requirements between the stockbrokers, other operators and the capital market regulators fails to yield any meaningful relief. The meeting, according to sources, essentially focused on the threats posed by the new capital requirements for various capital market operators released by the

• New capital base threatens 180 stockbrokers By Taofik Salako

Capital market editor

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the minimum operating standards set by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). SEC had announced major increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that is expected to take off on January 1, next year. Minimum capital base for a broker/dealer was increased by 329 per cent from N70 million to N300 million. For a broker, who operates with capital base of N40 million, he/she will be required to have N200 million, an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million. Also, issuing houses,

which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against that of N150 million. The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million. Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million. A Registrar will have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the requirement of N50 million. While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent

from N500,000 to N2 million. Also, the NSE introduced minimum operating standards for all the three classes of dealing members, including broker dealers, brokers and dealers. The new standards address the five broad areas of manpower and equipment; organisational structure and governance; effective processes; global competitiveness; and technology. The new standards are also expected to take off on January 1, next year, just like the new capital requirements by SEC. Sources at the meeting said while stockbrokers were optimistic that the capital market regulators would consider reduction in the capital requirements and a reclassification of the minimum operating standards, they were worried that outright implementation of the capital require-

ments would reenact the “Soludo effect” in the capital market, a reference to capital base-centred banking reforms under the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, during which banks were reduced from over 80 to less than 25. The plan, according to the sources, would include mergers, acquisitions and raising of new funds through any of debt and equity means. While it has faced criticisms from operators, SEC has insisted on the implementation of the new capital requirements, arguing that the new capital structure was arrived at after consultations with stakeholders. A source at SEC at the weekend confirmed that no decision had been taken on either a review of the capital requirements or extension of the deadline. The NSE has also insisted on implementing its new minimum standards for stockbrokers. The NSE has directed firms to submit their compliance plan and to update it periodically ahead of the full compliance date.

Debts undermine economic growth, prosperity, says ICAN chief

RESIDENT, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Chidi Ajaegbu has said foreign and domestic debts will continue to undermine the country’s credit worthiness and compromise its ability to secure new funding. Much of the borrowing, Ajaegbu noted, was for recurrent expenditure rather than production, implying

By Daniel Essiet

that the debt is not being used to grow the economy. He said: “The practice of funding recurrent expenditure through debt is unacceptable .it is tantamount to spending unearned income and therefore mortgaging the future by abating possible future economic development.This negative policy should be addressed urgently as it is un-

sustainable.” The ICAN chief, who spoke in Lagos over the weekend, said while debt remained crucial to development, it was the manner in which it was used that was worrisome. Without debt, he said, the country cannot go anywhere, arguing that it is how it is used that would determine its impact on the economy. He urged the government to direct its debt towards

projects that would result in employment creation, such as power generation, road construction and other development projects. He blamed poor implementation of annual budgets of the Federal Government is traceable to avoidable delays in the passage of the fiscal bills. He said: “Significant expenditure is committed to the preparation of annual budgets in the country only for its

implementation to be observed in the breach. It is important to enact a law which will define the nation’s budget cycle with specific timelines for each stage and sanctions for a breach of this law.” Accordingly, he said those in leadership positions must deliver more benefits than they are doing for the nation’s acclaimed economic growth to translate into economic development.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS Divestment by IOCs: Local firms step up activities

NDIGENOUS oil companies are increasingly raising their game, following the decision of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to divest their assets owing to onshore risks. The industry, which has long been dominated by the IOCs, has seen more asset acquisitions by independent and indigenous players resulting in increased production from them. Speaking against the backdrop of acquisition of ConocoPhillips by Oando, the listing of Seplat in London and Nigerian Stock Exchanges, and the decision of Seven Energy to secure $225million of new equity investment from Singapore Investment CompanyTamasek, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), among others, the President, International Association of Energy Economics (IAEC), Prof Adeola Akinisiju, said local firms had got what it took to do big-ticket transactions in the oil and gas industry. He said plans by IOCs to abandon onshore for offshore had opened opportunities for indigenous firms to

By Akinola Ajibade

play better. He said: ‘’ Unfolding events in the industry shows that local firms have stepped up their game though various acquisitions in the industry. Most of the acquisitions have helped the local companies to play better and bigger. “They can venture into area hitherto dominated by the foreign-owned companies such as Shell, Chevron and others. ‘’ The only thing area where the domestic operators are yet to wield considerable influence is exploration. There are Nigerians who can handle exploration activities well. They have got the exposure, skills, funds, and other attributes which foreigners have. However, they need to improve on technology, going by the ever-changing methods, ideas and technology in the industry.’’ Akinisiju said independents or local firms played important roles in oil and gas industry in United States, adding that Nigerian companies can do the same thing.

Managing economy traumatising, says Budget Office DG M ANAGERS of the economy say they are traumatised by the continued loss of revenue. Speaking to The Nation on the sideline of the recent launch of the African Economic Outlook 2014 by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Director-General, Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, admitted that there were challenges arising from revenue shortfall. He said there was also the issue of protecting the natural resource base, lamenting that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have made managing the economy a nightmare. Okogu said the Minister of Petroleum made reference to the fact that Nigeria lost over N1.3 trillion in the last one year to crude oil theft and other related activities. This, he said, was a major reason the country’s revenue nosedived. He said: “We appeal for cooperation from European partners because it takes two, the buyer and the seller, for the business of oil theft to thrive. We need their cooperation to stem

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

the incidence of oil theft in Nigeria.” On the performance of the national budget, the DG said: “We have implemented 65 per cent of capital budget allocation in Nigeria, nonrecurrent which is over 90 per cent implemented. “Sixty-five per cent is not good enough, the reason it has happened is because of the revenue shortfall from the oil side but we have emphasised non-resource activities as well as engage Mckenzie Global Consulting to help plug tax loopholes and other sources of leakages for non-oil revenues so we don’t depend entirely on oil revenue.” On the measurement of poverty and the methodology used in the African Economic Outlook, Okogu explained that “it does not matter if the poverty level is 35 per cent or more, so long as there is poverty in the land, the essence of governance is to improve the

well-being of the masses.” The AfDB lamented that the “growth of the oil sector was hampered throughout last year by supply disruptions arising from oil theft and pipeline vandalism, and by weak investment in upstream activities with no new oil finds”. Its Country Director in Nigeria Mr. Ousmane Dore noted: “Risks to Nigeria’s economic growth are the sluggish recovery of the global economy, security challenges in the northeastern part of the country, continued agitation for resource control in the Niger Delta and possible distraction from the ongoing reforms as a result of the upcoming 2015 general elections.” He added that the “negative growth of the oil sector may also continue to drag down overall growth until a lasting solution is found to the challenge of oil theft and weak investment in exploration due to the uncertain state of play in the sector as a result of non-

passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill”. Nigeria, he said, “faces an ongoing challenge of making its decade-long sustained growth more inclusive. Poverty and unemployment remain prominent among the major challenges facing the economy. One reason for this is that the benefits of economic growth have not sufficiently trickled down to the poor. The national authorities are not oblivious of this reality”. Increased integration of the poor into global value chain was said to be essential for poverty reduction. Agriculture, which is largely informal, employs about 70 per cent of the labour force, a large portion of which is poor. Adding value to agriculture tradables will create more jobs through its upstream and downstream integration with other sectors of the economy, increase export revenues, boost income of the poor and reduce poverty incidence.

Shippers’ Council strategises to end multiple taxation, arbitrary charges

HE Nigeria Shippers’ Council is consulting with stakeholders on strategies to combat the menace of multiple taxation and arbitrary charges at the seaports. Its Executive Secretary, Mr Hassan Bello, expressed optimism that the Council would deliver on its new mandate. The Council, he said, the new strategies would meet Nigerians’ expectations. According to him, all irregularities and arbitrariness at the ports would be addressed. The council, he assured, would also look into the high cost of doing business in the ports, and what was responsible for the diversion of goods meant for our ports to Cotonou. The President, Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANLCA) Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu and other stakeholders urged the council to review shipping charges and

By Oluwakemi Dauda

terminal charges imposed on importers by shipping companies and terminal operators. “The fact is that, sometimes, the terminal operators and shipping companies forced importers to pay demurrage even when it was their fault that the importers could not take delivery of their goods out of the port on time,” he said. Shittu urged the National Assembly to assist the officials of the Council by ensuring that the bill that empowers the Council in its new role as an economic regulator is passed into law to avoid litigation that could scuttle its good intention of promoting port business. He said Nigerians and its international trading partners were full of expectations that such necessary legislations should be put in place in the interest of the economy

‘Harsh operating environment killing SMEs’

ANY small and me dium businesses (SMEs) are closing shops due to economic slump and rise in business risks in the country, the Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN) has said. Its President, Prince Saviour Iche, said many firms were on the brink of closing shops as they face persistent threats, lamenting that the economy is not showing signs of recovering as it comes under the attack of oil theives. According to him, the economic climate has remained very unfriendly, c h a r a c t e r i s e d

By Daniel Essiet

by increasing number of small business owners facing serious financial difficulties. Many SMEs, according to him, found it difficult to secure finance as some banks refused to lend to them. While there is a consensus among SMEs that the lending situation has not improved, he said many s m a l l business owners had approached the Bank of Industry (BoI) without getting respite, adding that members of AMEN who have current accounts could not not get loans from their banks.

• From left: Regional Director, Abuja/North Central, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Gbaye Adewuyi; Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, during the submission of the report of the biometric exercise of civil servants in the state to the governor in Lokoja ... at the weekend.

NNPC’s restructuring stalls NPDC’s MoU with host communities T HE shake up in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its exploration and production arm, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), has stalled the signing of Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between the NPDC and the host communities from which it acquired Shell’s divested assets in the Niger Delta region. A source told The Nation that arrangements had been concluded for the signing of the understanding with the communities before August 8, unfortunately, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, AndrewYakubu was removed while the NPDC’s Managing Director, Victor Iyowuna Briggs and top management staff of the corporation were also redeployed on August 1. With the changes at the senior management level, all the plans were suspended for things to normalise and the

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

new management to settle down, stabilise operations and restore confidence. The GMoU stipulates the terms of relationship between the company and the communities, including benefits that will accrue to the communities such as development projects and how such projects should be handled. According to the source, the GMoU empowers the communities a lot as they decide the project to be built. Also, the contractors that will handle such projects are chosen from the communities while the oil company and other stakeholders ensure close monitoring of the projects to make sure it meets standard and the budget prudently managed. The source said after the

oil company and the communities reach agreement, money for the project is paid into a special account from where it will be drawn for implementation of the projects. Contracts for building the projects as well as security of the facilities are often awarded to the community people, thus creating jobs and value for them (the communities). The delay in sealing the GMoU, the source said, might attract the wrath of the communities, which may result in disrupting operation. Despite the interim MoU signed with the communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, which hosts one of NPDC’s newly acquired assets, oil mining lease (OML 30), the comunities last week threatened to shut operations until a working GMoU was signed.

The Chairman and Secretary of the 12 oil communities in Ughelli North, Mr. Michael Idiovwa and Power Oghre, in a letter reiterated that their earlier decision to give the NPDC a 14-day ultimatum to implement the GMoU or they would shut operations of the assets. The President-General of Uzere Community, Chief Emeakpor Owhe, during the signing of the interim MoU, reiterated the importance of sincerity and adherence to the terms of the agreement and timely completion of community projects for creation of employment opportunities for Uzere community youths. Another NPDC’s asset, OML 26, it was learnt, is doing well as production from the asset oil block has risen from 5,000 barrels daily at the point of take-over from Shell to 11,000 barrels daily, buttressing the need to quicken signing the GMoU to boost production and revenue from the assets.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

ISSUES

•Protesting casual workers.

They suffer in silence, working as slaves in big firms. They do all the work, but receive peanuts as salary. Some of them are graduates, who, for want of jobs, ended up on factory floors as casual workers. To labour experts, the exploitation of these workers is inhuman and against social justice. What is the government doing to address this problem and create more jobs? TOBA AGBOOLA reports

The curse of casualisation

ABARINDE Olujimi, a university graduate, could not secure a job years after he left school. After a long and fruitless search, he enrolled with a private contract firm, which helped him secure a job as a factory worker. For all his hard labour, Olujimi was paid peanuts. In addition, he parted with substantial part of his salary to the job resource outfit. But six years after joining the company, Olujimi remains a casual staff. With his employment status, he has no right to any benefit from the company. Olujimi is not alone in this dilemma. The experience of Bassey Nkanang, who works as an operator in a chemical company owned by an Indian businessman in Ota, Ogun State, is even more pathetic. Early last year, Nkanang's two fingers were chopped off by a machine. Following the accident, he was summarily dismissed, without compensation. Despite Nkanang's experience, he could still be considered lucky to have left the company alive. The late Sunday Olatunji, who worked as an electrician in a Chinese company in Ikeja Industrial Estate, was not that lucky. He died in the line of duty. The late Olatunji, the breadwinner of his family was electrocuted in May last year in an accident that could have been averted, if not for his employer's alleged negligence. The Olatunji’s colleague, Biodun Bello who witnessed the incident, narrated how he was killed because of lack of first aid in a company with a staff strength of over 500. "The man in question was never a trained electrician, but he was employed as a casual and the employer turned him into an electrician with what

it considered a little training on the factory floor. On that fateful day, we were all working and one of the big fluorescent bulbs was reported bad, so Sunday was called upon to change it," Bello said. Bello alleged that the company uses substandard materials and never provides workers with safety kits. "So Sunday instead of using ladder to climb, was lifted up with a forklift and without a hand glove to do the repair, but what happened stunned all of us, because no sooner was he lifted than he was electrocuted and he fell down from the forklift. We all rallied round him, but before we could move him to the gate, he died. It was unfortunate, there was no first aid, no clinic, no ambulance that could have saved him from such premature death," he said. Bello, a school certificate holder, joined the company in 2011 as a casual worker on N12, 000 monthly salary, half of which is paid fortnightly. He works for 12 hours instead of the globally approved eight hours, Bello said the firm’s working conditions could be considered as slavery. He said: "We work from 7am

‘

in the morning to 7pm in the evening and while we are in the factory, nobody is allowed to go out for any reason, except for a few minutes break time. After working as casuals for three months, they will come with a form for us to sign, telling us that we are now employed as trainees and now on N15, 000 monthly salary. They would go with the form and come back after another three months with the same form for us to sign, saying that now we are their staff. This time around, the basic salary would be N6,000, transport would be N5,000, housing- N4,000 and others. Everything would add up to N22,000. He said the working hours still remain 12 hours and irrespective of the years or your position in the company. All the workers considered as staff earn same amount. But they never allowed the workers have a copy of the makeshift employment form usually brought to them. But are the workers truly earning this amount monthly? Bello who further painted the scenario of the condi• Continued on page 28

Casualisation is evil, worst than unemployment. An unemployed is free, but a casual is limited in freedom. Anywhere we find it, we confront it headlong. In most cases the workers themselves are intimidated by their managements and in such instance we go in to give management ultimatum and we have achieved quite a lot in confronting the menace

’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

ISSUES

The curse of casualisation • Continued from page 27

tion under which they work daily said "No! "Hardly can a worker earn the amount. For example, I was promoted a supervisor, but earned the same amount as a newly confirmed staff. Beside, salary arrangement was done so that they would say they are paying the national minimum wage. But what you see in a month can be N17,000, N19,000 and at times N20,000," he explained. That was not all. Bello said if a worker does not come to work in a day, even if he was sick and they see him, N3, 000 would be deducted from his salary. If it's two days, N6,000 would be deducted. If the worker comes late, the hours will be deducted from his salary and nobody dared report. "While working in a factory, a worker is not permitted to talk to a co-worker. If you mistakenly drop anything on the floor and the Chinese managers see you, you may be slapped or kicked and called 'Marakepi', which means a slave in their (Chinese) local language," he further said. Bello however, noted that the girls at times are not allowed to work in the factory, but engaged in the kitchen to assist the ones brought from China to cater for the teeming population of Chinese nationals brought in to do several chores that Nigerians could have done easily. The company, he stated, has over 50 Chinese workers, while the highest position occupied by a Nigerian in the company is that of a receptionist or a supervisor. Investigations also revealed that Nigerian girls working in the company have had cases of sexual exploitation and harassment by the employers. A visit to the industrial area in any part of the country reveals many factory workers queuing as early as 6am at the entrances of these companies, mostly owned by Indians, Lebanese, and Chinese to be absorbed, either for daily or weekly appointment, but never for permanent employment. The employers are only looking for cheap labour. Workers in these companies work between 10-12 hours daily as most resume as early as 7a.m and close about 6-7pm. The National President of the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association (CANMPSSA), Comrade Abdul Gafar Mohammed whose union has lost substantial number to this recent menace in the work place stated emphatically that casualisation is more terrible than unemployment, as it only provides short term relief. His words: "Casualisation is evil, worst than unemployment. An unemployed is free, but a casual is limited in freedom. Anywhere we find it, we confront it headlong. In most cases the workers themselves are intimidated by their managements and in such instance we go in to give management ultimatum and we have achieved quite a lot in confronting the menace." He further said, "In most of these companies, workers' pay is not commensurate with what they do, no adequate compensation. We have several of them. There is NUChemical Agbara as well as Industrial Milleium Chemical in Sango, just to mention few, where we have taken up a case of a worker who lost part of his hand and was dismissed without compensation. Though, he is not our member, he is a Nigerian worker and it is our duty to protect him. All these companies need proper monitoring by the government and that is why we clamour for minimum wage. But what the workers earn in these companies are peanuts, not a living wage, it cannot even take them anywhere." Mohammed said workers in the com-

•Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu

•NECA DG Oshinowo

•Abdul Gafar

panies, though are well disposed to joining the union, but are afraid of losing their jobs, as the employers always take advantage of the unemployment situation in the country to coerce the workers to sign documents denouncing the union. He lamented that jobs meant for Nigerians are now being taken over by foreigners as the expatriate quotas have been largely abused by Indians, Pakistanis, Lebanese, Chinese and others. "Because of the complexity in the manufacturing process, there is need to bring expertise into the country who then transfer the technology to Nigerians, but what we have now is expatriates abuse, which our agencies have failed to checkmate. As these people have taken over the jobs, more Nigerians are now in the unemployment market and are being forced to take any job that comes their way. They take casual jobs while less qualified expatriates boss them around. The scenario you see in most of these companies is that there is no defined structure," Mohammed said. The labour leader also accused the government of being responsible for the workers' plight having failed to provide the enabling environment for the companies to operate. He said: "Government itself encourages casualisation, having recognised contract agencies without any defined penalty for those who contravene the laws. Most Nigerians who have industries also indulge in this dehumanising act of casualisation, while most of these companies are backed by politicians, traditional rulers, which made it difficult for the unions to win the battle against them. "The Ministry of Labour is supposed to keep tab on the operations of these companies, but the factory inspectorate has failed woefully in this dispensation, or how can we say we have government when workers are being locked into work for unreasonable hours with low pay, have their hands, limbs amputated without compensation. The ministry officials should go to the companies to see what Nigerians are passing through in the hands of these employers, our government should be seen to be taking respon-

sibility," he pointed out. A spokesman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Jerry Amah, is of the view that although many workers are simply slaving and wasting away due to the casual status imposed by their jobs, most of them are scared of walking away from the slave labour conditions in which they find themselves, owing to the high unemployment rate and economic uncertainty in the country. He said while owners of most multinational organisations import their foreign brothers into the country to take up full time employment with all the stipulated benefits attached, they, however, find it more rewarding to place the Nigerian workers on casualisation in order to deny them the benefits attached to the job. "Apart from the fact that this has increased the rate of capital flight into the country, it also renders the citizens, who are supposed to be the major beneficiaries of such investment impoverished and completely hopeless," he said. Much as the NLC has tried to stem the anti-labour practice through picketing and other measures as allowed by the law, the Federal Government has actually been passively concerned about the development. Even with a promise to ensure workers in the country are given their due, the Federal Government can only promise to reduce the monster called casualisation rather than putting a stop to it completely. Though there are efforts by government to boost employment generation in the country, this has not been followed by assurances of decent work and worker protection given the increasing number of casual and contract-based employments in the country. During one of the meetings with the leadership of the NLC and the TUC, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, charged them to make inputs to the Federal Government's campaign to eradicate casualisation and other forms of exploitation of workers by some foreign and local employers of labour. Wogu reminded the NLC President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar that President Goodluck Jonathan's administration had demonstrated its interest in

workers welfare through the constitution of a number of committees on workers' issues. Though the Ministry of Labour had actually instituted a committee on casualisation, which had hitherto submitted its report, labour and Nigerians are still awaiting the implementation of the committee report and only hope that it will not go the way of several reports initiated by the government in the past. Director-General, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Mr. Segun Oshinowo, charged Federal Government to enact a law that will make it impossible for employers of labour to casualise workers, noting that many employers use casualisation to dehumanise their employees. Oshinowo noted that most employers deliberately casualise workers to deprive them of benefits, insisting that the government should do well to terminate casualisation of workers as the trend has impoverished rather than enrich a lot of Nigerian workers. The massive shift from regular employment into temporary work or jobs through agencies and labour brokers is having a deep impact on all workers, their families, and on the society at large. According to stakeholders, the erosion of the employee-employer relationship, often the basis of labour law, is leading directly to a growing number of violations of workers' rights. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has emphasised that the expansion of precarious forms of work and deregulation of the labour market are not the answer to the employment crisis. The international labour centre maintained that the insecurity of working people in recent decades was a significant contributor to the recession. Moreso, it has been established that agency hires and temporary contracts destroy job security and undermine all other rights and promote gross exploitation of both the temporary worker and the permanent employee working alongside them. This is what is happening in nearly all sectors of the economy - manufacturing, construction, banking, telecommunications, oil and gas where contract staffing and casualisation has become the order of the day as workers in these sectors no longer have regularised employment terms. However, there is still hope for Nigerian workers as the bill to outlaw casualisation of workers passed Second Reading before the House of Representatives last month. If the bill is eventually passed into law, it will peg the time frame allowed for an employee to work as a casual staff in any organisation to two years.

‘

The government itself encourages casualisation, having recognised contract agencies without any defined penalty for those who contravene the laws. Most Nigerians who have industries also indulge in this dehumanising act of casualisation, while most of these companies are backed by politicians, traditional rulers, which made it difficult for the unions to win the battle against them

’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

MONEYLINK

N220b MSMEs’ Fund for launch today •Women entrepreneurs to draw N132b T HE N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSME) Fund designed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support entrepreneurs will be launched today by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said the launch would hold at the MSMEs Finance Conference organised by the CBN. President Jonathan will declare the conference open and kick off the disbursement, which begins tomorrow. He would also award prizes to MSMEs, Deposit Money Banks and state governments, which distinguished themselves in Entrepreneurship Development last year. Participants at the conference in-

Stories by Collins Nweze

clude Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs), banks, MFIs, MFBs, deposit money banks, governors, federal ministers, heads of government agencies and departments, international development agencies and captains of industries. The guidelines for disbursement showed that a 80:20 ratio for onlending to micro enterprises and SMEs and request that 60 per cent of the fund, representing N132 billion, be earmarked for providing financial services to womenowned businesses. The banking watchdog said to ensure that productive sectors of the economy continued to attract

more finance necessary for employment creation and diversification of the country’s economic base, a maximum of 10 per cent of the commercial component of the fund will be channelled to trading and commerce. CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said at the N220 billion MOU Signing Ceremony between the CBN and participating state governments that MSMEs are globally recognised as the critical engines of economic growth due to their potential to create jobs, boost production, generate income, and reduce poverty. Despite this recognition, MSMEs in the country do not have the adequate financing needed to play this pivotal role in its development trajectory.

Sterling Bank’s ATM activation excites customers

TERLING Bank’s customers have praised the lender for instituting a reward system for users of its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the ongoing ATM activations across the country. The customers said such an exercise would encourage the use of ATMs in the country in line with the cash-less policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Already, some of the customers who used the bank’s ATMs in Lagos (Adeola Odeku, Idimu branches) and in some branches in Port Harcourt were given the one customer experience as they were treated to what was termed Sterling Exclusive offerings. They include make-overs, photography sessions with celebrities, saloon services, spa/relaxation services, fashion incentives, exotic car

rides and refreshment. A businessman, Mr. Ogundokun Anuoluwapo, who won one of the gifts on offer, described the campaign as a unique platform to encourage the use of ATMs by the public, adding that this also confirms that bank is a responsible corporate institution. He was optimistic that this initiative would lead to an increase in the volume of transactions via ATMs and position Sterling Bank as a leader in the ATM revolution aimed at encouraging Nigerians to go cashless. On the modalities for the activation, the bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications Shina Atilola explained that customers who carry out transactions on the lender’s ATMs at selected branches would be

prompted to experience the One-Customer treatment of their choice from the list of gifts and activities on offer. With this initiative, he said the bank would create conducive environment to interact with users of these channels. At the end of the experience, these individuals, according to him, would have a better understanding of the “One-Customer” proposition. Atilola said: “As a responsible financial institution, Sterling Bank is committed to projects that would enrich the lives of its customers and at the same time support the laudable initiatives and policies of the CBN, particularly the cashless policy. This initiative will encourage card users to actually transact with their cards while those yet to obtain theirs will have no reason not to obtain theirs.”

A joint report by the International Finance Corporation and McKinsey, the financing gap of this critical sub-sector of the country is about N9.6 trillion as at 2010. The N220 billion, he said, is meant to address this gap and unlock the potential of the MSMEs as an innovative way of improving their access to finance, shoring up their potentials for job creation, and enabling them reduce poverty within the country. “This effort is in furtherance of the bank’s earlier endeavour at establishing six Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) in each geopolitical zone to support the mandate of the 23 Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) under the purview of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN),” he said. Emefiele said while the microl o an s wi l l be a d m i ni st er ed through private or state-owned microfinance institutions, finance

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN HERITAGET FOUD FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,117.13 121.58 121.70 1,117.51 1.3620 1.3560 1.0221 1.1841

EYSTONE Bank Limited at the weekend took the message of its financial inclusion to pupils, teaching them the benefits of saving. Speaking to NASRUL-LAHI-LFATIH Society (NASFAT) children at a holiday camp ground of Homat Group of Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos, the bank’s Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Treasury Mr. Afeez Bakare said the programme was targeted at pupils to raise their awareness on finances. He noted that the bank was

GAINERS AS AT 14-08-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

PREMBREW

1.00

1.05

0.05

NEIMETH

1.02

1.07

0.05

PHARMDEKO

2.17

2.27

0.10

PAINTCOM

1.54

1.61

COSTAIN

1.15

NPFMCRFBK

CHANGE

400m

399.01m

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

CBN EXCHANGE RATES August 14, 2014

Inflation: June

8.2%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.4b

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

259.5441

261.2215

206.4717

207.8061

170.033

171.1319

Yen

1.5127

1.5224

CFA

0.2968

0.3168

236.1742

237.7006

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1237

25.287

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

1.20

0.05

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

5.00

8.40

8.62

0.22

DANGCEM

226.08

231.95

5.87

RTBRISCOE

0.93

0.95

0.02

LOSERS AS AT 14-08-14

C/PRICE 67.24

CHANGE -5.26

PORTPAINT

5.63

5.35

-0.28

LEARNAFRCA

1.58

1.51

-0.07

CUSTODYINS

3.91

3.74

-0.17

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

12.175

12.101

SDR

236.938

238.4693

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

4.00

-0.17

CCNN

14.20

13.65

-0.55

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

AIICO

0.84

0.81

-0.03

30.01

29.00

-1.01

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

UAC-PROP

16.85

16.30

-0.55

FBNH

15.50

15.00

-0.50

WAUA

Rate (%)

4.17

STANBIC

21/07/2014

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

0.04

HONYFLOUR

Amount Sold in ($) 381.27m 272.9m

0.07

1.00

O/PRICE 72.50

Amount Offered in ($) 400m 300m

Euro

175.00

SYMBOL CONOIL

Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014

N15.9 trillion.

0.96

BERGER

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Money Supply (M2)

170.00

MOBIL

working with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) guidelines, other stakeholders in the Financial Literacy Steering Committee and the Ministry of Education to develop a financial literacy curriculum for inclusion in schools from next year. According to Bakare, the programme was designed to raise awareness in finances among pupils in primary and post-primary schools, saying that financial literacy constitutes an integral part of developing tomorrow’s leaders.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,116.32 120.71 120.84 1,116.70 1.3529 1.3570 1.0039 1.1841

houses, and cooperative finance agencies, the SME loans will be disbursed through the DMBs. State governments will be able to access up to N2 billion each for lending to eligible beneficiaries through participating financial institutions in their states.

Keystone Bank takes financial inclusion to schools

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•Emefiele

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-07-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-07-14

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

EQUITIES

Equities lose N402b as selling pressure rises

IGERIAN equities witnessed a major contraction last week as increased selling pressure and low investors’ appetite combined to create sustained downtrend, which shaved of N402 billion from investors’ capital gains. With the market closing on the negative four times out of the five trading sessions during the week, all key indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated widespread bearish sentiments. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities reversed from the week’s opening value of N14.066 trillion to close the week at N13.664 trillion, representing a loss o N402 billion. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, indicated a week-on-week decline of 2.86 per cent. The ASI, which opened the week at 42,598.46 points, closed the week at 41,380.05 points. All other indices at the NSE also closed on the negative with banking stocks leading the downtrend. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks, dropped by 3.40 per cent. The NSE Banking Index declined by 4.83 per cent. The NSE

•Average return dwindles to 0.12% By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Insurance Index slipped by 0.26 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index lost 3.68 per cent. The NSE Oil and Gas Index declined by 4.05 per cent while the NSE Industrial Goods Index dropped by 1.48 per cent. The downtrend last week almost reversed the year-to-date market performance to the negative as average year-to-date return shrank to 0.12 per cent. However, most equities are already trading on the negative. Analysis of year-to-date returns across the key sectors indicated a largely negative performance for the stock market so far this year. Over the seven months and a half period, the NSE 30 Index has lost 1.41 per cent while banking stocks and insurance stocks have lost an average of 6.17 per cent and 5.78 per cent respectively. The NSE Consumer Goods Index indicated a year-to-date return of -6.31 per cent. Meanwhile, investors in the oil and gas and industrial goods sectors remained on the positive side with average gain of 39.28 per cent and 5.85 per cent

respectively. Market analysts have blamed the sluggish market performance in recent period on low earnings of several quoted companies during the first half of the year. Interim reports and accounts of several companies for the first half ended June 30, 2014 had shown depressed bottom-line amidst tight top-line. The negative outlook of the Nigerian stock market last week contrasted sharply with the global equities performance. United Kingdom’s FTSE Index recorded average gain of 2.7 per cent at the weekend while the United States’ S&P 500 index garnered 1.2 per cent. India’s BSE Sens returned 3.1 per cent. The Brazil Bovespa gained 1.5 per cent. Russia’s RTS rose by 1.5 per cent while Japan Nikkei 225, Germany Dax and Hong Kong Seng rose by 3.7 per cent, 3.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively. Across the continent, African equities, with the exception of Nigerian stocks, showed a bullish outlook. Egypt EGX 30 Index indicated average return of 2.6 per cent while Kenya NSE 20 Index

Shareholders seek extension of Diamond Bank’s rights issue

HAREHOLDERS of Diamond Bank Plc have urged the directors of the bank to seek for extension of the application period for the bank’s ongoing rights issue in order to allow shareholders to fully take up their rights. At a shareholders’ forum held by the bank in Owerri, Imo State, shareholders said the board of the bank should also make provision for absorption of oversubscriptions to encourage shareholders to buy additional stakes in the bank. Diamond Bank is raising about N50.4 billion from its shareholders through a rights issue of about 8.69 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N5.80 per share. The rights issue had been pre-allotted to shareholders of the bank as at June 13, 2013. The rights issue opened on July 30, 2014 and it is expected to run till August 26, 2014. Shareholders urged the bank to give them opportunity to fully participate in the rights issue by extending the closure date for the rights issue and providing a window for shareholders who wish to buy additional shares to do so. Mazi Chikeronwu Ezekiel, who spoke on behalf of several shareholders, urged the management of the bank to give consideration to

people who wish to take up more shares than allotted to them. “In my case, I did not have much money when I bought these shares and currently belong to what may be considered as the bottom of the rung. Given the profitability of the shares in the last few years, my family has now pooled funds to increase our investment in the bank and we would like management to give us opportunity to buy more than the three shares offered us for every five we currently have,” Ezekiel said. Another shareholder, Prof. Echebiri of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, said the performance o the bank has endeared it to investors. According to him, Diamond Bank is on a very progressive trend as the bank already has a very promising balance sheet He added that the rights issue would boost performance of the bank to further create better returns or investors. “Basically, the performance of the bank has been impressive and it is on top on all indices of performance. If fortune were not on

its side the bank would have been scraped like others that went under. I will surely pick up my share and possibly ask for more,” Echebiri said. In his presentation, group managing director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti, noted that Diamond Bank operates a diversified business model and is one of the top performing banks in Nigeria, ranking sixth in total assets, deposits and earnings; and second by returns on investment. According to him, Diamond Bank boasts a credible leadership with clear focus and an enhanced risk management approach that have returned the bank to profitability since 2012. “The strong profitability and healthy balance sheet are testament to management’s commitment to continue to yield value for shareholders. The bank has recorded significant growth from December 2013 to June 2014 with assets up by 15 per cent and deposits up by eight per cent. The net interest margin is also strong at 7.1 per cent as at half-year 2014. In a fast growing economy such as Nigeria, the recent rebasing of the GDP to $510bn offers fresh imperatives for investment opportunities,” Otti said.

appreciated by 0.8 per cent apiece. Meanwhile, total turnover at the NSE last week stood at 1.37 billion shares worth N13.30 billion in 23,973 deals as against 1.43 billion shares valued at N20.19 billion traded in 26,289 deals in previous week. The financial services sector remained the dominant sector with a turnover of 1.05 billion shares valued at N7.27 billion in 11,551 deals; representing 77.05 per cent of total turnover volume. The conglomerates sector followed with a turnover of 139.099 million shares worth 948.332 million in 1,570 deals. The third place was occupied by consumer goods sector with 53.794 million shares worth N1.785 billion in 3,736 deals. The trio of Continental Reinsurance

Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Access Bank Plc were the most active with a joint turnover of 549.828 million shares worth N2.263 billion in 2,162 deals, contributing 40.22 per cent of total turnover. Also traded during the week were a total of 47,946 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.008 million executed in 21 deals compared with a total of 282 units valued at N251,033.40 transacted last week in 12 deals. Similarly, 300 units of FGN bonds valued at N339,762.78 were traded this week in 3 deals compared with a total of 28,400 units of FGN bonds valued at N28.087 million transacted last week in 6 deals.

Investors swap major stakes in Continental Reinsurance

ONTINENTAL Reinsurance Plc appeared to have started witnessing major changes in its shareholding structure as voluminous transactions placed the insurance firm atop the activities’ chart for the stock market. Continental Reinsurance accounted for more than one-fifth of the aggregate turnover at the stock market last week. Trading on the insurance company was particularly the highlight of the market at the last trading session with the exchange of 208.34 million shares valued at N208.34 million in 25 deals. The lastday transactions pushed Continental Reinsurance’s total turnover for the week to N288.6 million shares valued at N289 million in 117 deals, representing 21.1 per cent of the aggregate turnover volume for the week. However, Continental Reinsurance’s turnover represented 2.78 per cent of its outstanding shares. Market analysts said the transactions, especially on Friday, were indicative of a cross deal, implying possible agreement between the buyer and seller before the perfection of the deal at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The majority core investors in Continental Reinsurance recently indicated that they were seeking to fully divest their shareholdings in the holding company that holds 50.6 per cent equity stake in the insurance company. Regulatory filing indicated that the core investors, which indirectly hold 50.6 per cent equity stake in Continental Reinsurance, have started the full divestment process. According to the report, ECP Africa Fund II PCC and its partners, which form the ECP Fund II Consortium, are exploring the opportunity for the divestment of their interests in C-Re Holding Limited, a Mauritius-based limited

liability company wholly owned by the ECP Fund II Consortium. C-Re Holding Limited is the majority shareholder in Continental Reinsurance, currently holding approximately 50.6 per cent of the issued share capital of the company. C-Re Holding is expected to sell approximately 5.25 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Continental Reinsurance was incorporated in 1985 and started business as a private reinsurance company in Nigeria. In January 1987, it began to operate as a general reinsurer and then became a composite reinsurer in January 1990, offering both treaty and facultative life and non-life reinsurance, with a well-diversified business mix and customer base. As part of its goal to become a recognized leading reinsurance company in Africa, it converted to a public limited liability company in 2000. After it recapitalized to the tune of N10 billion in 2007, it listed its shares on the NSE in May 2007. With five client service centres in Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya and Tunisia with Nigeria as headquarters, it has grown a diversified portfolio across 43 countries. Continental Reinsurance recently reported that its gross premium increased by 28 per cent to N15.86 billion in 2013 as against N12.40 billion in 2012. The company indicated that non-life and life businesses grew by 32 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, while the total comprehensive income grew by 19 per cent from N1.75 billion in 2012 to N2.09 billion in 2013. Profit before tax rose by five per cent to N2.23 billion in 2013 compared with N2.13 billion in the previous year while the profit after tax rose to N 1.75 billion as against N1.73 billion in 2012. The company is paying a dividend per share of 11 kobo.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• Creative professionals in action.

The creative industry in Nigeria is strong. Although the sector is not recognised as one of the main areas of employment, many jobs are hidden in the industry, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Creating jobs through intellect

HRIS Ogunlowo had a very clear focus of what he wanted to do when he left school. He wanted to work within the marketing communications industry as a copy writer. His studied Communications arts. Ever since leaving school, he has worked this field. His skills and job roles are influenced by feedback he had during his academic career. He is today the Creative Director& Principal Partner, Kwirkly Production in Lagos. He said there are endless opportunities in the creative industry, especially those in advertising. He said new entrants have to develop their skill sets for account management, planning or media buying, copywriting, graphic design and all the creative activities required to support advertising campaigns. Those who succeed in getting jobs in this sector would have gained relevant experience as students in journalism or marketing. For him, the creative industry has a lot to offer those with the talent and drive to succeed, adding that the industry is large. He said broadly, the sector consists of industries that have their origin in individual creativity, skill, talent and have potential for job creation through the gen-

eration and exploitation of ideas or imagination. These, he explained, include advertising, craft, cultural heritage, fashion designing, film making, entertainment, literature, music, performing arts, photography, television, radio and visual arts. The sector, he noted, is highly competitive both to secure employment and to develop a role. Some occupations such as those within media and publishing are highly sought-after while others such as performing arts are at risk of periods of unemployment and may be subject to rapid change. The distribution of employment in this sector is uneven. Performing arts employment is focused within towns such as Lagos, Ibadan and Ife. While the film, music and broadcasting industries are similarly based in large cities, particularly Lagos, Aba, Onitsha and Kano. Dr. Anselem Nyah, said there are growing job opportunities within the industry because products from the creative industry – which includes items such as videos, music, video games, and new formats for TV programmes, audiovisuals, books, design work, films, music, new media, printed media, visual and performing arts, and creative services are massively patronised.

Adequately nurtured by governments and public and private-sector partnerships, Nyah of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the production, sale and trade of creative goods have created a wide variety of jobs, and spurred innovation. According to him, demand for some “creative industry” products particularly those which are domestically consumed, have remained in high demand and that the creative industry holds great potential for the nation with such products. He observed that currently, employment in the creative industry is increasing at a higher rate in industries such as music and performing arts, design and visual arts, television, radio and film, marketing, finance and distribution, social media, software development and interactive content, animation, print, writing and publishing. While all industries will include an element of creativity within them to a greater or lesser extent, Nyah explained that creative industry is different because it uses creativity to create value for their clients and the products or services created are intellectual property. Highly dependent on creative talent, he said the economic value of the creative in-

dustry largely lies in its intellectual property. He said significant employment growth is experienced in software and interactive media with a small proportion of growth in design, music and visual arts, writing, publishing and print media. Clearly, the nation’s creative industry has continued to have great value for the economy. While creative industries are often micro businesses or small to medium sized enterprises that focus on local markets, he said they can develop into powerful economic clusters, helping to drive economic growth. Nyah believes that success comes from a combination of both personality and hard work while being determined will certainly give one the strength to continue in what can be a brutal market place, the skills one will need to get on his feet on graduation can be picked up and developed at university. Having a degree in certain industry isn’t essential, but there is no denying the fact that the scope of opportunities available will open up more career paths if one does have one, he added. •Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

JOBS

Creating jobs through intellect

•Continued from page 32

According to him, experience is very highly valued and can help one to get a better understanding of the industry and allow one to meet new people and build contacts. Nyah noted that if one is a talented artist, designer, writer, musician, photographer or multimedia designer, he is likely to succeed in a creative industry. One can work as a freelancer or work for a larger company that employs one for creative talent and skill. A degree is expected in major creative industries. Certain majors seem to open doors in the creative department. These include advertising, marketing, communications, English, journalism, psychology, liberal arts, and media studies. If a university doesn’t offer a major in advertising, majoring in English might present a useful foundation of knowledge for a job as an advertising copywriter. For graduates, the few entry level positions that are available are often fought over by hundreds, sometimes thousands of candidates, frequently with more experience and, at times, contacts in the industry. Since jobs in the creative industries are competitively fought over, the advice is that one gets a head start while one is still at university. For this reason, most entrants began with internship in the creative department. Currently, writing publishing and print media is the only creative industry segment with falling employment numbers and a declining share of national employment; but significant employment growth is experienced in the software and interactive media with a small proportion of growth in design and visual arts. The most notable growth has been in software development and interactive content segment. The chances of getting a job as an actor are limited because of so many entrants. This also makes it difficult to sustain a career as a full-time actor. Many actors supplement their income with other jobs. The opportunities for finding job as an industrial designer are reasonable. The number employed has been quite stable, but is expected to increase as demand for their services increase and the scope of industrial design broadens. The chances of getting a job as a graphic designer are fair. More people are graduating each year with graphic design qualifications so there is more competition for employment. Generally, gaining employment in industries such as theatre, dance, architecture, fine art, film, radio and publishing, needs industry contacts, who act as gatekeepers. Confidence and money also increase graduate chances of breaking into the creative industries. New graduates often need to be flexible to find work. Relevant experience may be

• Nyah

• Ogunlowo

• Olagbenjo

gained by working as a freelancer on shortterm graphic or web design contracts, or undertaking unpaid graphic or web design work to build a portfolio. More graphic design and advertising firms are choosing to hire freelancers, so being able to promote one and build a network within the industry is beneficial. However, employment growth is expected to rise. However, selfemployment and working in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provide opportunities for creative art. One of those benefitting from this is Kehinde Olagbenjo, a professional photographer. Over the years, his business has grown from the initial base photography to encompass wedding and corporate work. As a photographer, Olagbenjo kept striving

to improve his work. For him, the most successful photographers are the ones who see the tides changing and study how they can turn this change into a competitive advantage for their businesses. Though talent is a necessary ingredient for being a successful photographer, training and experience are essential, he said. Years of study and practice are required to master variables like lighting, uncooperative subjects, and equipment failure adding that having contacts is the most salient. Because of the difficulty in retaining workers, most employers don’t focus on graduates developing the skills to meet with what they want, rather they advertise what they want from their prospective employees. The idea is that after ac-

quiring the necessary skills, the graduate gets rewarded with a job. The prospects of working in creative industries are increasing every year. Unsurprisingly, the highest increase was within the film, video, radio and photography and information technology, software and computer services areas. Experienced hands still consider freelancing work over traditional employment. Freelancing just means that one effectively rents his services to different companies or clients, rather than working for one. The type of jobs that are outsourced to freelancers by large companies are varied and include graphic design, illustration, website development, editorial work, photography, set design, among others. Some companies like to outsource as it gives them flexibility. While Lagos is full of trendy advertising agencies, digital marketing and PR firms looking for fresh talents, recruiting managers typically have to sift through lots of applications. Employers often choose who they let in the door on the basis of applications that stand out from the crowd, and shows that creative spark that can also help give their firm a competitive edge. What most employers are looking for is business development skills.

‘While creative industries are often micro businesses or small to medium sized enterprises that focus on local markets, they can develop into powerful economic clusters, helping to drive economic growth’

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Putting more energy behind your job hunting “M Y job hunt is stuck in the mud. I know I need to fix it, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and I’ve got no energy left. I’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to work.” Does this sound like you or what you feel now?

The simple truth is: Hunting for a job can be tiring, demoralising, and frustrating for people who have internalised their inability to find work as a sign of personal failure. Confidence and self-image suffer. Not to mention the economic embarrassment. As that happens, it becomes increasingly difficult to present the optimistic, energetic “can do” persona that employers seek. We all hear the longer you are out of work, the harder it is to get work. One of the reasons for this is that employers are looking for you, Mr/Ms. Jobhunter not to be jaded, tired, and “down.” And, they fear that the longer you are out of work, the more likely it is you won’t have the vim and vigour they seek. How can you put more energy to your flagging job hunting campaign? There are things you can do to

By Olu Oyeniran

energise your job hunt. Below are my suggestions. This list is hardly exhaustive, but it’s a good start:

Remember getting a job is a job

Treat it with the same sense of professionalism that you would bring to any employment. Show up on time every day. And, at the end of the day, don’t feel guilty about packing the work up, and transitioning to “personal” or “family” mode. As with any job, it’s important to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Recognise and confront your self-imposed roadblocks Are you frozen in place by fear of possible future failure? Many people have experienced so much rejection that they are afraid to have any more piled on. Such feelings are real, and they need to be acknowledged. Sometimes inaction can be psychological defence mechanism. It’s important, however, to understand that inaction is a certain road to the

status quo. Try to move forward every day – even if you only do one or two small “baby step” things that can help to build up your self-confidence.

Break out of your isolation Figure out who are the members of your support system – your family, friends, other job hunters you meet at networking groups, members of your church or synagogue and so on. Talk to them regularly. Tell them what you’ve been up to, what seems to be working, and what seems to be frustrating you. Make them part of your team. Ask for their feedback and advice. Help them to help you by creating a context of “us” instead of “me.” And of course: seek a good job hunting coach who can understand and relate to you, and provide both guidance and the occasional “kick in the pants” when it’s called for.

Balance your job hunting activities You can’t be everywhere, all the time. Strive to create a balance over the course of a week or two in a

cycle. If you think of your search for work as a job hunt, then imagine each tool or tactic as one arrow in your quiver. You need a variety of arrows including: informational interviewing; attending professional meetings and seminars; social networking utilising LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter; writing your blog, and so on. However, important online activity has become, remember that social networks are but the means to the end of building personal relationships. Nurture your relationships both in the real and virtual worlds.

Stay focused and use your time wisely People who work out of their homes often say that one of the biggest challenges they face is managing their time. It’s easy to be distracted by kids, pets, housework, TV, internet, computer games, and so much else! Organise your day and week in advance. Create an hourly schedule and stick to it by setting alarms on your computer calendar or wherever they will best be seen and heard.

Practise, practise, and

practise some more

Rehearse your elevator speech out loud and prepare answers to interview questions that you can anticipate. For example, don’t allow yourself to be flummoxed by opening queries like, ”Tell me about yourself.” Did you know Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, shot 1,000 baskets every day! He was great because he understood the need for constant repetition and skill building.

Maintain your mental and physical health Eat healthy. Exercise at least three times each week. If it’s been a while since you exercised with any regularity, start slow and gradually build yourself back up. Get those endorphins flowing and you will look better, have more energy, and feel better about yourself. •Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

THE CEO

‘Housing for all by 2020 unrealistic’ Is it possible to provide houses for all Nigerians in the next six years? No, says Gimba Ya’u Kumo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). In this interview with Assistant Editor NDUKA CHIEJINA, Kumo says the National Housing Fund (NHF) is “grossly underfunded”. FMBN provides mortgage for Nigerians to build, buy or renovate their houses under the NHF scheme. Although Kumo lauds the scheme, he says a lot still has to be done to make it work.

OW will you assess the mortgage industry? The mortgage industry is just starting. If you look at the size of our contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is less than one per cent, but my target before I leave here is that we should be able to contribute at least 15 per cent to the GDP. That is why we are putting a lot of issues on ground to be able to drive the process. Now the question is: How do we do that? It is simple. If you look at the National Housing Fund (NHF), out of the population of 170 million people, less than one per cent of the population is contributing to the Fund. This is not good. Our target is on how to reach the other segments of the society that is not in formal employment. Essentially, the mandate of FMBN is to finance housing delivery to Nigeria’s teeming population by exploring funding sources such as NHF, the Nigerian capital market and offshore financial markets. Its mandate also include ensuring that there is adequate liquidity in the Nigerian mortgage sector; it also strives to create and nurture a viable and robust housing finance system to improve home ownership for all categories of Nigerians through affordable mortgage services. Do you think a single digit mortgage rate is sustainable given the economic indices? Yes, our rate has always been single digit, our estate development loan or construction loan is 10 per cent, our mortgage rates are at six per cent and we also intend to extend the same rate to the informal sector so that we can make houses affordable to them. Nigerians cannot afford anything above single digit because the average income is very low. That’s why we are providing a buffer whereby they are able to pay. We took the minimum wage of N18,000 as a base and with that, a beneficiary would be able to do a mortgage of N450 monthly. This is the minimum the informal sector beneficiaries are expected to pay but this will be difficult for some of them, so we are looking at a subsidy. Is there any way Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) can be prevailed upon to charge single digit interest rates? If you say the government, you are talking in terms of agencies that deliver mortgages. It is only the FMBN that is delivering mortgage as a govrnment entity. Our mortgage

• Kumo

isin single digit, six per cent. That is what President Goodluck Jonathan has told us and that is what we are doing. We charge our mortgage at the rate of six per cent on a long tenure basis, 15 years, 20 years and even up to 35 years. There are concerns that contributors to NHF have not been able to access loans in the last few months. How true is this? Contributors to the NHF have in the last six months been paid over N9 billion either as refunds or as funds to assist them own their homes. The information is in the public domain for anyone that wants to verify to do so. We have been paying contributors and in the last six months, we have disbursed over N9 billion to contributors. Publication of the list may not have been regular like before, but that does not mean that disbursement has not been going on. We have disbursed through 57 PMIs. We are doing all we can within the bank to ensure that our facilities are up to date so as to reduce the waiting time in the disbursement of loans to recipients. Some people didn’t subscribe to NHF due to problems encountered at maturity. What is your take on this? The NHF loan is a transparent exercise and that is why we decided to be publishing the names of beneficiaries of disbursements and refunds when we came on board. We published the names of refunds of those that have left service. It is because of our desire to address these discrepancies that we came up with the e-collection platform so that each individual contributing to the scheme will be able to, on a monthly basis, know whether his/ her account is credited or not. The essence of this is to make them inquire from their or-

ganisations why it is not done. These are the issues and we will be able to address them as we move on. We have several strategies for implementation to provide houses to Nigerians. If you look at the minimum wage of N18,000, the deduction is 2.5 per cent. If you run your numbers, it is about N450. We have 3,777,000 contributors. We have delivered only 56,000 houses. It takes 250 contributors contributing N500 monthly for 10 years for one person to be able to access N15 million. That is the statistics and that is why we are talking to government to fund us, even if it is a low interest loan for a long tenure. By the time you run a mortgage for five years, it is not a mortgage. A mortgage should run for 15 years or more. What this means is that an average Nigerian can identify a house in any location in Nigeria and approach FMBN for a loan through a PMI for financing for either outright purchase or for renovation. How can Nigerians access NHF loans? Those who want to access the loans need to have equity contribution of some percentage of what they are asking for as loan. If for instance they require N5 million to N10 million from the bank, the equity contribution is 20 per cent, for N10 million to N15 million, the equity is 30 per cent while for N5 million and below, the equity contribution is 10 per cent. The bank does not deal with individuals in its transactions. As individuals wishing to buy a house or access the loans, they have to go through PMIs. Has there been any problems with loans granted to property developers? Up till now, we don’t have any problem with the loans we have given to developers but the ones issued before we came on board,

‘No, it is not. 2020 is the next five to six years. The implication is if you run your statistics to say you need to cover the deficits in the next six years, each year you have to be building more than two million housing units. But don’t forget the deficit keeps on growing because people keep coming up increasing the need for more houses’

there are problems and we are trying to resolve them. But generally, Nigeria has an issue that has to do with titling. Mortgage business is based on title and for you to get title in Nigeria is difficult. For instance, you are given a land in Abuja under the development lease agreement to build 500 houses, for you to be able to create mortgages for these houses, you need an individual certificate for each of the houses. If you apply to Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) to get these, it takes you not less than two years. That of Lagos is even worse. But on our own, what we have done is to create a buffer zone which we call the internal record office whereby you will sign our legal mortgage documents and we give you your mortgage, leave us with the responsibility to get the title. By this, we try to reduce the burden to beneficiaries. How has repayment been? For the ones issued before we came in, it has not been encouraging and that is why we have embarked on an aggressive drive to recover loans in order to meet our obligations to our shareholders. The move is in line with the resolution of the last management meeting held in Abuja. The Board of Directors of the bank also mandated the management to go all out to recover loans given through the NHF. PMIs will also be included in the loan recovery exercise. How much are we looking at? I will not mention specific figure for now, but we need to recover these monies in order to enable other Nigerians benefit from the fund. We noticed that some provisions in the estate development window gave rise to this and that is why we are planning to review the estate development loan window to remove observed lacuna. The National Housing Scheme (NHS) also would be reviewed to ensure better collection of contributions from the PMIs as FMBN is reforming its operations to enforce discipline and transparency. What new innovations are you bringing into the scheme? FMBN is working out modalities to roll out a Diaspora product to assist Nigerians living abroad own homes in Nigeria. The product has become necessary given the large number of Nigerians in Diaspora who wish to own •Continued on page 35

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

THE CEO •Continued from page 34

homes back home and also as a means of reducing the housing deficit in the country. We realised that about 17 million Nigerians are living outside the country and most of them plan own houses but they have not been able to do so. We understand that over the years, people have been remitting money for building or buying of a house and they have not been getting good results with sad tales to tell. By the time we develop the Diaspora mortgage model, it will be a model whereby Nigerians living abroad who want to buy houses can approach FMBN. If they do not take the mortgage, they can get refund of their money with interest. The reason the bank has chosen the United States (US) is because out of the 17 million Nigerians living outside the country, America has about 58 per cent. We will do our case study here and in the United Kingdom (UK). If it works well, we will try to replicate it in Asia and other parts of the world. The move would also lead to the inflow of Diaspora finance to Nigeria. This would further assist to reduce the housing needs. The target of Diaspora is because the inflow of Diaspora money to Nigeria is about $10 billion. If the housing sector takes about 25 per cent of that inflow, we are expecting that about $2.5 billion will come to us in the form of inflow from Diapora people that would need houses and investments in the housing sector. That would translate to about N4billion and with that, we can fund mortgages and build about 30,000 units/ That would be an opportunity for those who would want to have houses in Nigeria. That is within the envelope that we are allowed to operate which is N15 million or $90,000. How viable is the real estate sector? The total value of the real estate market is put at N59 trillion and that is potentially six times bigger than the local stock market which is valued at N12 trillion. On this basis, the sector cannot be ignored. Let me explain how we arrived at that figure. The housing deficit in the country is estimated to be 17 million units . When multiplied by N3.5 million, the estimated cost of a single housing unit, it will result in that amount. I am however, optimistic that with the coming on stream of the Mortgage Utility Refinancing Company (MURC), the housing sector will experience a revival that will attract investments to the sector and boost the economy. Why has it taken government this long to address financing issues in the sector? I think it has taken the government this long to decide to finance the sector because it initially wanted to see if the funds would be well managed before doing so. Government initially wanted to see what we have done before it puts money there. This bank has been operating for 22 years and during that time, it was operating on deficit, we were able to break-even last year and made profit. Secondly, we did some reforms like full computerisation of the bank. The only source of income is the NHF we now collect through the e-collection portal, which has tripled collections. We were able to pay more mortgages and fund more constructions. We did that to show transparency so that contributors can see their contributions being used. We also went ahead to start publishing the names of those who benefitted and those we have refunded because the law says if they retire, they ought to take their contributions and two per cent interest. We have refunded N1.2 billion to about 78,000 people in the last two years. What are you doing to create awareness so that the less privileged can be part of this? We have come up with a product called the cooperative housing loan, which is designed for people that are not earning salaries. Everyone is privileged. But for people that are not earning salaries, we have made provisions for them such that they can form cooperatives and also access loans in the housing sector. The only way you can do that is through cooperatives or organised informal sector involving farmers, traders, carpenters, among others. They can form cooperative societies and benefit from corporate mortgage facility from us. With that we hope to grow the sector and contribute to the development of Nigeria. How does the cooperative loan scheme work? Those in the lowest strata of the society have not benefitted from loans because they have limited capacity to access funds to pay for houses as the income they generate is very small. This led to the introduction of the Cooperative Loan Scheme. It was brought about to extend the bank’s services to people who can be termed disadvantaged in the society because their income is low, irregular and difficult to access under the NHF loan win-

‘Housing for all by 2020 unrealistic’

• Kumo

dow. What the bank has done is to use cooperative societies in the informal sector to service people who can be termed disadvantaged in the society because their income is low, irregular and difficult to access under the NHF loan window. The informal sector constitutes a larger per cent of the economy. Since they do not get salaries on monthly basis, the bank has to look at ways to reach them so that they can contribute and also benefit by owning their own houses. The cooperative loan scheme enables a cooperative society that has acquired a plot of land to develop houses for allocation to its members. The parcel of land would have title in the name of the society which would act as facilitator on behalf of its members in the loan transaction and which would facilitate construction of the housing units. The root of the title of the estate land would be subleased to the beneficiaries. FMBN is aware that people gather in groups to contribute money like ajo, esusu as they call it in different places. They can make contribution of only N450 each per month after joining NHF on N18,000 minimum wage benchmark, which is at 2.5 per cent rate. How do cooperatives access loans? Cooperatives are registered in states under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry while at the federal level, they are registered with the Ministry of Agriculture. FMBN has presence in all the 36 states and it is therefore our duty to identify cooperatives that are viable. The way this works is that we will not give loans to individual members of the cooperatives to go and build houses, but instead give loans to the cooperatives as a group. The cooperative goes and identifies a plot, does all it needs to do and then applies to FMBN for a loan. When we are satisfied that the coopera-

tive has met all our conditions, provided all the necessary documents and passed our internal credit test, we approve the loans. If they have professionals among them, we will allow them build, subject to our monitoring. It is when the cooperative has finished building that we will give loans to individual members to enable them purchase the houses their cooperative has built. The money the members pay back will be paid into the account of the cooperative to offset the loans. We have created a mortgage loans that will be paid over time by individual members, which is either 35 years of service or 60 years of age, that is retirement time. I normally use retirement age, which is 60 years to calculate repayment period. Labour law provides that a worker should not spend more than 33 per cent of his income to service any loan. We apply that principle and try to establish the average of the person and situate what he can service within that income. Income for this sector may not be regular, but it has to be reasonable for the person to qualify for the loan. We give the loans at four per cent interest to the PMIs while they in turn give it at six per cent to the customers. What is e-collection platform about? This system will automate NHF deductions and remittances from employers’ salary payments account domiciled with any of the 23 commercial banks enlisted in the project. The e-collection form will ensure compliance by employers and provide contributors with transaction alert in addition to online, real time access to records of their contributions. We expect an increase of at least 300 to 500 per cent, although currently we have recorded over 100 per cent increase in the collections. We are working hard and hope that

‘The total value of the real estate market is put at N59 trillion and that is potentially six times bigger than the local stock market which is valued at N12 trillion. On this basis, the sector cannot be ignored. Let me explain how we arrived at that figure. The housing deficit in the country is estimated to be 17 million units . When multiplied by N3.5 million, the estimated cost of a single housing unit, it will result in that amount’

very soon, we will attain our desired goal. One of the problems that we faced in the past was that of non-remittance of contributors by the employers. Some ministries collect but they don’t remit to FMBN so the money does not get to us, now we are doing e-collection and we know that things will improve. Over N100 billion has been lost in revenue to the NHF due to loopholes in the collection process that encouraged flagrant violation of the NHF Act by employers. What does the government need to do to enhance your operations? As I have said, the major challenge is funding. The second challenge is recapitalisation and the Federal Government is attending to these. So apart from these, we have others like the issue of corporate governance, we are trying to get the bank to be focused and competitive. FMBN was established 21 years ago and since then, it has not made profit but when I came on board, we were able to break even and make profit for the first time. At present, the NHF only has 3,772,031 contributors and it would require 50 contributors to contribute N500 monthly for 10 years before the bank would be able to provide a loan of N15 million for one individual. So far, the bank has approved NHF loans of about N90 billion out of which only N39 billion or about 22 per cent has been disbursed. While it has also approved N110 billion Estate Development Loans (EDL) out of which only N62 billion or 52 per cent has been disbursed. The total disbursement we have made so far is N100.5 billion and we have been able to deliver 56,000 houses which is just a drop in the ocean when compared to the housing deficit we are confronted with. Since the NHF commenced, we have been able to collect a total of N106 billion and looking at our disbursements, we have disbursed more than that. This is because some of the funds we collected from contributors, we put them in investments. Also, out of the total number of houses delivered, 46-52 per cent was done by the current management of the bank within the last two years, while a further N1.6 billion representing 1.58 per cent of total collections was refunded to retirees. We would also urge the Federal Government to increase the share capital of the FMBN from its present N5 billion to N200 billion to enable the bank address the housing deficit in the country because addressing the over 17 million housing deficit in the country would require aggressive injection of funds by the Federal Government. The bank presently has a share capital of N5 billion out of which the Federal Government has paid up its own share of N2.5 billion representing 50 per cent, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Social Insurance Trust Fund ( NSITF) have not paid up their 30 per cent and 20 per cent shares respectively. The bank is grossly undercapitalised compared to other countries even in West Africa but the government is currently working on ways to improve its capitalisation. Government can even loan us money to carry out our functions, which we can repay with interest so that we can build houses for Nigerians at cheap rates because the current rate in the banking sector is quite high. What should be done to accelerate housing development? There is need for the government to put money into it. Secondly, private sector initiative should also be put in place with a view to fast-tracking government’s housing delivery programme. The issue of 17million housing deficit cannot be addressed by government alone. We have a delivery deficit of 17 million at a N3.5 million per unit, that is N59 trillion, so there should be joint and coordinated efforts both by the private and public sectors with a view to providing houses for Nigerians. How affordable are the houses? They are expensive in the sense that cost of materials for constructing these houses are also high. So, there is need for reduction in the cost of cement, there is need for a reduction in the cost of iron rod and other accessories that make up these houses. Once that is done, I think it will go a long way in reducing the cost of the houses. Do you think housing for all by 2020 is realistic? No, it is not. 2020 is the next five to six years. The implication is if you run your statistics to say you need to cover the deficits in the next six years, each year you have to be building more than two million housing units. But don’t forget the deficit keeps on growing because people keep coming up increasing the need for more houses. Government alone does not have all the money, so there will always be gaps but we are working hard to see that we close the gap. So providing houses for all Nigerians in the next six years, I don’t think it is possible.

THE NATION AUGUST 18, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

‘No premium, no cover policy rewarding’ T HE ‘No premium, no cover’ policy unveiled in January last year by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has improved liquidity in the sector, Managing Director, Niger Insurance Plc, Kola Adedji has said. He made this known at a briefing on the impact of the policy in Lagos. He said this notwithstanding, some challenges accompanied the introduction the policy. At the beginning, the policy was difficult to implement by his colleagues. He said the public also found it difficult to adjust to the policy but has gradually accepted it. The policy, however, slowed business as most of their clients started renewing their policies only lately, he said. He said: “For us at Niger Insurance, we fully complied with the ‘No premium, no cover’ policy and it has turned our balance sheet

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

around. The policy has also helped us to clean up our accounts. “We were able to grow our gross premium income from N10.3 billion to N10.4 billion in 2013. We were still able to keep the same gross premium income as we recorded the previous year despite the lull in business as a result of the policy. But, perhaps, it would have been better and we believe it will be better this year now that people have adjusted to it. “Overall, it will keep improving liquidity for us. There is no point having an aspect of debtors in our balance sheet and the cash will not come. We are better off even if it is just for the purpose of the computation of solvency adequacy or liability adequacy test of our Interna-

tional Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).” Adedeji said when the policy was to usfirst rolled out, some people thought it wouldn’t work but people are adjusting to it now because it has helped insurers in output liquidity unlike in the past when the business is written with a promise by policy holder to pay later. ‘’In such situation, he said, once the policy period is over, it becomes sticky and, in most cases, it becomes bad and irrecoverable debt.’’ On the firm’s plan, he said the management and staff were working towards a company that would be internally driven by an Information Communication Technology (ICT), where transactions would be done via telephone, laptop and iPad in the next five years. They also intended to grow the company’s balance sheet in the next five years by 100 per cent, he added.

Guinea Insurance pays N138m in Q2

• Repositions for growth

UINEA Insurance (GI) Plc paid N138 million claims at the end of the second quarter of the year, its Managing Director, Polycarp Didam, has said. This, he said, was part of the company’s strategy to reposition the company to grow its market share through decisive long-term plan. Didam said the company believes in customer satisfaction as it builds brand loyalty. He said the firm adopted a Rapid Claims Payment System (RCPS) aimed at settling claims within 72 hours on receiving a duly Executed Discharge Voucher (EDV) from the insured. He added that the company’s capacity to settle genuine claims to the public is underscored by its increasing premium yielding policies and capital generating ventures. He said: “Our company’s strength lies in our passion for high standards and determination to become a world class enterprise, one with the scope and economies of scale necessary to serve the financial and risk management requirements of our numerous customers, many of whom trade not just in domestic markets, but regionally and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.” Guinea Group Lead, Technical,

Wole Fayemi, who gave the breakdown of paid claims, said of the N138 million paid, N44 million was paid on general accident insurance policies, representing 32.2 per cent, while N41,532,642.89 was paid on Marine Insurance policies; that is, 30.1 per cent. He explained that motor insurance policies accounted for 13.5 per cent of the claims paid amounting to N18.6 million, while oil and energy insurance policies accounted for 15 per cent, that is, N20 million. He said engineering and fire insurance policies stood at N12.6 million, representing 9.12 per cent and N135,715, 0.1 per cent on aviation insurance policies, was paid for the period. Fayemi emphasised the company’s commitment to optimise its processes to meet the dynamic needs of its numerous customers. ‘’We are bent upon becoming one of the top five insurance companies in the country by 2018; hence, we have carefully crafted a five-year strategic business plan; our objectives being to build capacity, consolidate and reposition the GI brand and, ultimately, build a tribe of loyal and dedicated customers who would remain our brand ambassadors because our commitment to them is total, he said.

Ebola: CIIN cancels picnic

HE fear of Ebola Virus disease has caused insurers to call off their yearly Family Picnic. The picnic fixed was fixed for last Saturday by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN). According to a statement by the institute’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Joseph Obah, it is a necessary step geared at supporting the Federal Government in averting the escalation of the Ebola

• Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Staco Insurance Plc, Dr. Sakiru Oyefeso and Vice Chancellor, Commonwealth University, Belize, Prof. Michael Addison after the conferment of Honorary Doctorate on Oyefeso by the university in Belize.

Brokers urge NLC to drive pension reform law T HE Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to tackle firms that have breached the provisions of the 2014 Pension Reform Act. NCRIB’s President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, said this during an interactive session by the NCRIB, NLC and some insurance operators in Enugu. He said participants also suggested the need to create platforms of interaction among NLC, employers’ unions and other critical stakeholders to highlight the importance of the Group Life in the new reform and the need for compliance. Shoderu said it is the responsibility of the NLC to meet professional bodies, especially human resources or workers, to execute the new reform in favour of workers. He called on NLC to impress it on notable regulatory institutions to show evidence of compliance with Group Life as a prerequisite for granting approvals or yearly renewals as being done for insurance operators, who are requested to show such evidence before renewal of their yearly licence with the Na-

tional Insurance Commission (NAICOM). He added that there was the need to create more aggressive awareness campaigns to encourage workers to adhere to the Reforms Act and sensitise employees to demand compliance by their employers. According to Shoderu, the welfare of workers should be given priority by governments, pointing out that the quality of Labour is a major index for determining the advancement or other wise of countries. The NCRIB chief said countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and lately, China, have attained their enviable state as developed nations because of due consideration their governments accorded Labour. He stressed that the Reforme Pension Act has mandated employers to take Group Life Assurance for their workers, noting that the step would increase the regime of benefits that could accrue to workers in retirement. He said: “Aside from the increased pension contributions on the part of the employers, the reform provides

that an employer’s contribution under the Group Life should not be less than 20 per cent of the employee’s monthly emolument. In addition, a Group Life Insurance policy must be maintained in favour of the employee’s annual total emoluments similar to the old Act. “The elimination of Letter of Administration for the processing of Group Life to beneficiaries of deceased workers is also a good idea that has made access to death benefits by dependents much easier than it was before.” He regretted that despite the laws on compliance with Group Life by employers, the government has continued to fail to comply. “The Federal Government and its agencies could be said to be less culpable as records show higher compliance by Federal Government agencies. Some of the weak reasons being adduced were that the Group Life Insurance enforcement is a national law that must first be complied with by federal institutions for their workers while the states and local government could comply at their convenience. The fact must be made that law is law and must be complied with by all strata of government, irrespective of jurisdictions,” he added.

outbreak in the country. It stated that the event is a gathering of practitioners, their families and friends. The CIIN urged its members to maintain a high degree of health precautions to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. It further stated that calling off the picnic was the best option, adding that a new date will be announced later.

Five reasons not to despair about retirement

EW Americans boast about how comfortably they’re going to live in retirement. More common are those too scared to bring up the topic. Told the U.S. faces a retirement apocalypse, they try to avoid thinking about their financial future. Here’s a little something to lure them out of their mental bunkers: From wages and debt levels to healthcare costs, some of the scariest financial trends are reversing. That doesn’t mean Americans can stop saving. But they may want to take a break from all the worry and self-flagellation to enjoy some actual good news on the retirement front.

Savings snapback

The Old News: The financial crisis vaporized $3.8 trillion worth of retirement assets in 2008, according to the Investment Company Institute (ICI). The S&P 500 stock index plunged 44 percent from its peak. The Good News: While only about half of workers have access to a retirement plan at work, those who were able to save in a 401(k) throughout the recession did well. If a worker steadily contributed from 2007 to 2012, their balance rose by an annual average of 6.8 percent. That estimate, from a new study by ICI, the fund industry trade group, doesn’t reflect U.S. stocks’ double-digit surge in 2013.

Cost slowdown

The Old News: Medical care costs have risen more than double the inflation rate since 1990.

The Good News: Costs are slowing way down. Medicare spending per beneficiary didn’t rise at all from 2012 to 2013. While no one is sure how long the trend will continue, the government now estimates the Medicare trust fund won’t be exhausted until 2030, six years longer than it estimated two years ago.

Wage optimism

The Old News: U.S. employers have been stingy with raises for decades. Adjusted for inflation, the median U.S. household earns the same amount it did in the late 1980s – about $51,000. The Good News: There are signs of more workers getting raises. The Census Bureau’s employment cost index rose 0.7 percent in the second quarter, the largest increase since 2008.

Diminished debt

The Old News: The statistics on Americans’ debt loads are scary. The Urban Institute looked at data on the 91 percent of people with credit histories. It found 77 million Americans, more than a third of adults, have a debt in collection. The average debt of Americans is $53,850. The Good News: Americans shed much of their pre-recession debt. Credit card debt dropped $206 billion to 2013 from its 2008 peak of $866 billion. Debt delinquency rates are the lowest since 2008, with the 90-day-plus delinquency rate at 4.8 percent, down from 8.7 per cent four years earlier. • Culled from Bloomberg

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

BUSINESSXTRA

Apple breaks norm, begins to store user data on servers in China A PPLE Inc has begun keeping the personal data of some Chinese users on servers in mainland China, marking the first time the tech giant is storing user data on Chinese soil. The storage of user data in China represents a departure from the policies of some technology companies, notably Google Inc, which has long refused to build data centres in China due to censorship and privacy concerns. Apple said the move was part of an effort to improve the speed and reliability of its iCloud service, which lets users store pictures, e-mail and other data. Positioning data centres as close to customers as possible means faster service. The data will be kept on servers provided by China Telecom Corp Ltd, the country’s third-largest wireless carrier, Apple said in a statement on Friday. “Apple takes user security and privacy very seriously,” it said. “We have added China Telecom to our list of data centre providers to increase

Berlin bans Uber over consumer safety fears

ERLIN taxi drivers were celebrating Thursday after authorities banned the ridesharing service Uber from operating in the city because of safety concerns. In a decree, Berlin authorities said they wouldn’t tolerate Uber putting customers at risk by allowing them to ride in cars that hadn’t been checked, and with drivers who weren’t vetted or properly insured. The argument echoes that of established cab companies who claim Uber’s app-based services, which offer limousines and pickups by private drivers, dodge rules that ordinary taxi firms have to abide by. “I’ve got no problem with anyone who plays by the same rules as everyone else and shows that they can do it better,” said Richard Leipold, head of the Berlin Taxi Association. “There are plenty of apps on the market in Berlin that do just that.” Fabien Nestmann, general manager for Uber Germany, said the company intends to challenge the ban. Berlin’s decision “is not progressive and it’s seeking to limit consumer choice for all the wrong reasons,”

bandwidth and improve performance for our customers in mainland china. All data stored with our providers is encrypted. China Telecom does not have access to the content.” A source with knowledge of the situation said the encryption keys for Apple’s data on China Telecom servers would be stored offshore and not made available to China Telecom. Apple has said it has devised encryption systems for services such as iMessage that even Apple itself cannot unlock. But some experts expressed scepticism that Apple would be able to withhold user data in the event of a government request. “If they’re making out that the data is protected and secure that’s a little disingenuous because if they want to operate a business here, that’d have to comply with

Nestmann said. “As a new entrant we’re bringing much-needed competition to a market that hasn’t changed in years.” The San Francisco-based company, which has received financial backing from Google, said it remains open to dialogue with authorities and rivals. The ban, which comes with the threat of a 25,000-euro ($33,400 U.S.) fine for non-compliance, follows a separate Berlin court ruling in April that Uber’s limousine service breaks the law. The Berlin Taxi Association, which had brought the case, didn’t ask the court to enforce that ban because it wanted to wait for possible appeals, Leipold said. “Those legal proceedings are still underway, but I’m confident they will end in our favour,” he said. Uber has faced opposition from taxi drivers and authorities in several cities worldwide. According to its website the company operates in four other German cities: Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Duesseldorf,

Samsung acquires firm

AMSUNG Electronics Co Ltd will buy SmartThings, a startup backed by PayPal cofounder Max Levchin that helps connect household devices, one of its largest United States-startup acquisitions to date. The South Korean electronics maker joins fellow technology heavyweights Apple Inc and Google Inc in exploring ways to integrate connected household gadgets such as thermostats and lights with mobile apps, a trend commonly known as “Internet of Things.” Low cost alternatives from China and India are putting pressure on the premium smartphone makers. Chitra Nawbatt has the details. Samsung did not disclose financials, but the TechCrunch blog reported in July that Samsung was in discussions to pay more than $200 million for the two-year-old startup of 55 employees, which has raised $15.5-million in venture capital from Greylock and Russian investor Yuri Milner, among others. SmartThings, which lets people use a mobile app to control connected devices, says it has some 5,000 developers building devices that connect to its open platform. It will continue to operate independently but move its base from Washington, D.C. to Palo Alto, California. Some tech and telecommunications executives view the market for

“smart,” or connected, home devices as poised to explode. Manufacturers are rolling out Internet-connected burglar alarms, televisions and light switches. But like the early days of video cassette recorders, current smart home products are often incompatible with each other. The largest tech players are now drawing up alliances to create common standards for the next generation of gadgets. Apple, known for strictly controlling how other companies’ products interact with its own, in June announced HomeKit, which it describes as a framework to communicate with devices in the home. Google’s Nest has also partnered with companies including Whirlpool Corp and light bulb maker LIFX to integrate their products with its thermostats and smoke detectors. Samsung, which already makes Internet-connected appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, has allied with Intel Corp and Dell Inc, among others. Qualcomm Inc has forged a rival alliance with Microsoft Corp. SmartThings, which is owned by the Physical Graph Corp, began life as a crowdfunded Kickstarter project in 2012.

demands from the authorities,” said Jeremy Goldkorn, director of Danwei.com, a research firm focused on Chinese media, internet and consumers. “On the other hand if they don’t store Chinese user data on a Chinese server they’re basically risking a crackdown from the authorities.” Goldkorn added that data stored in the United States is subject to similar U.S. regulations where the government can use court orders to demand private data. A spokesman for China Telecom declined to comment. With its rising middle class, China has become an increasingly important market for Apple. Sales of the iPhone rose almost 50 per cent in China in the three months ended June and salvaged an otherwise lackluster quarter for the Cupertino company.

Other companies have opted not to situate servers in China, where they would have to comply with local laws. Google publicly abandoned China in 2010 and moved its services, including its search engine, to Hong Kong-based servers after refusing to comply with Chinese government censorship. Microsoft Corp also does not have servers for its email service in China. Yahoo Inc came under criticism in 2005 after it handed to Chinese authorities e-mails that led to the imprisonment of Shi Tao, a journalist who obtained and leaked an internal censorship order the government had sent Chinese media. “China doesn’t want any digital service offered to Chinese people to be hosted offshore,” said Goldkorn. “I suppose it was inevitable that Apple had to comply if they were using foreign servers for

Chinese user data.” In July, Apple’s iPhone was branded a danger to China’s national security by state media, because of the smartphone’s ability to track and time-stamp user locations. Apple denied tracking user locations. Apple has frequently come under fire from Chinese state media, which accused the company of providing user data to U.S. intelligence agencies and have called for ‘severe punishment’. The U.S. company has strongly denied working with any government agencies to create back doors into its products or servers. “We have also never allowed access to our servers. And we never will,” Apple has previously stated. News of the China Telecom deal emerged after a local government website in the southeastern province of Fujian announced that iCloud had migrated to China Telecom’s servers after 15 months of rigorous testing and review.

•From left: Managing Director, Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) and Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja.

Coke buys $2.15b stake in Monster energy

OCA-COLA the world’s largest beverage company, agreed to buy a 17 per cent stake in Monster Beverage Corp. for $2.15-billion, increasing its bet on the burgeoning energy-drink market. The move is part of a deal that will include the transfer of CocaCola’s energy drinks NOS, Full Throttle, Burn, Mother and Play to Monster, according to a statement today. Monster, meanwhile, will shift Hansen’s natural sodas and juices, Peace tea and Hubert’s lemonade to Atlanta-based Coca-Cola. Coke and McDonald’s shares are coming under pressure as both companies struggle in the U.S. mar-

ket with falling sales. Andrew Bell reports. Under the agreement, the two companies will share marketing, production and distribution. CocaCola, which already distributes Monster in the U.S. and Canada, will expand the arrangement globally, helping the energy brand grow overseas. “It gives them exposure to one of the fastest-growing segments of carbonated soft drinks globally,” said Ali Dibadj, a New York-based analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. “The category’s growth is clearly slowing in the U.S., but the potential is very strong globally.” The investment fits into Coca-Co-

la’s strategy of taking equity stakes in promising new brands and technologies, especially as its main source of revenue is under threat from a shift to healthier habits. In May, Coca-Cola said it would boost its stake in Keurig Green Mountain Inc. to 16 per cent, making it the coffee brewer’s largest shareholder. Board Members The Monster deal is “a capital-efficient way to bolster our participation in the fast-growing and attractive global energy drinks category,” Coca-Cola Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent said in the statement. The company also will add two directors to the board of Corona, California-based Monster.

Euro zone economic growth ground to a halt in the second quarter as France’s economy stagnated and Germany’s shrank. Joel Flynn asks what, if anything, can the ECB do and how Russian sanctions could further cloud the outlook? Demand for autos surged 10.1 per cent last month, the largest increase since July, 2009. The broader increase in manufacturing points to stronger growth across the economy, suggesting that manufacturers expect the pace of business investment and consumer spending to improve in the coming months. “Manufacturing will continue to add to the recovery throughout 2014 and into 2015,” said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services.

Overall industrial production, which includes manufacturing, mining and utilities, rose 0.4 per cent in July, dragged down by a 3.4per-cent drop in production at utilities. Several other reports suggest that factory production improved this summer. Manufacturers added 28,000 workers last month, according to the government’s jobs report. That builds on the 23,000 employees that factories added in June, a sign that companies expect demand to continue its upward swing. Separately, the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, reported that its manufacturing index climbed to 57.1 in July. That’s the highest level since April 2011 and up from 55.3 in June.

U.S. July factory output rises

NITED States factory output rose for the sixth consecutive month in July, led by a jump in the production of motor vehicles, furniture, textiles and metals. Manufacturing production rose by one per cent in July compared with the prior month, the Federal Reserve reported on Friday. Factory output in June was revised slightly higher to a 0.3-per-cent increase. Over the past 12 months, manufacturing has risen 4.9 per cent. Wal-Mart sales were stagnant, and the discount retailer says consumer spending is still weak. Competition, especially from online rivals, remains heavy. Bobbi Rebell reports. retail

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

BUSINESS MOTORING

•Hyundai Genesis cabin • Interior wide view

•Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai has taken a conservative approach with the new Genesis that offers what exactly auto lovers are looking for in an executive sedan - bold grille treatment. It has some neat detailing around the lights, a sharp crease running down the side and a sleeker rear end, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Hyundai Genesis changes luxury T segment

HE Koreans are making frantic entry into the luxury car segment where premium carmakers like Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi have for some time now enjoyed unrestricted access. But the coming of Hyundai Genesis into the fold could change the trend and somewhat reposition the Korean Hyundai automaker as the new kid-on-the-block. The refinement is impressive; even when one really pushes the V6 engine, it makes a good noise and the gearshifts are superbly slick to ensure better handling. Powered by either a 3.8litre 311Hp V6 GDI engine or 5.0litre 420Hp V8 engine both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Genesis produces ample power to satisfy most drivers and it idles smoothly and offers immediate throttle response. International automotive experts report that the Hyundai Genesis offers a comfortable ride over rugged roads with sharp steering and well-controlled handling in turns. Its striking design and inspired craftsmanship with innovative safety technology have to some extent given the Genesis an edge over rivals. This is in addition to the spacious, comfortable seats for all passengers and a stylish interior that features premium materials and excellent fit and finish. A United States-based media, USNews acknowledged Hyundai Genesis in one of its recently released analysis of 2015 luxury cars, where it ranked the inventiveness of the redesigned Hyundai Genesis Number three out of 14 luxury large cars. It also described as inviting the well-crafted cabin and powerful engines of the fully redesigned Genesis which offers luxury amenities at a lower price than most rivals. “This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of reliability and safety data of the Hyundai Genesis” USNews explained. Auto writers report that the Genesis’ audio, phone and navigation settings are easy to access, with buttons and a control knob that operate similarly to Audi’s MMI infotainment system.

Patrons in Nigeria, according to Hyundai Nigeria Motors, custodian of the brand, said patrons can get the Genesis on order with optional features such as a rear-view camera, dualzone automatic climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, proximity key, push-button start, satellite radio, HD Radio and a USB port. These optional features, the dealership added, include Lane departure warning, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, an HD 9.2-inch LDC screen navigation system; a panoramic sunroof with a head-up display, a power rear sunshade and two Lexicon sound systems are available. But the Genesis combines space with newfound swagger. The trunk is enormous and smartly finished, and it hides a full-size spare tyre. A Smart Trunk feature pops the lid when you stand behind the locked car for roughly three seconds with the keyfob in your pocket, without requiring an under-

The cabin is conservative, comfort‘able and ergonomically impressive,

including navigation, infotainment systems and apps that are easier to use than anything from the Germans. Mounts for the transmission and subframes are up to twice as stiff as before, helping to suppress noise, vibration and harshness.

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bumper foot waggle as with Fords. One reason to buy the priciest Genesis trim line is the superb head-up display that is only on the Genesis Ultra. It indicates cars in your blind spot (also current speed, posted speed limit, lane departure warning, forward collision, warning, and adaptive cruise control). Automatic emergency braking can halt the Hyundai when it recognises an impending collision or unsafe closing speed. The cabin is conservative, comfortable and ergonomically impressive, including navigation, infotainment systems and apps that are easier to use than anything from the Germans. Mounts for the transmission and subframes are up to twice as stiff as before, helping to suppress noise, vibration and harshness. The front shock towers are aluminum. Hyundai claims the wheels tilt 23 percent less during high-speed cornering, improving steering feel and control. These changes produce a far more quiet, better-riding and sharper-handling sedan such that the suspension doesn’t have to mask the chassis’ weakness with supersoft tuning that oozes over every ripple and bump. Instead, the car feels professional and confident even with standard 18-inch wheels or 19-inch wheels. The advantages of a rear-drive car include superior weight balance, and the Genesis delivers with 52 percent of its mass up front, 48 percent in the rear. Hyundai had also claimed first in one technology: because high interior carbon dioxide levels can make occupants drowsy, a CO2 sensor pumps in fresh ambient air when carbon dioxide levels exceed 2000 parts per million. And the Genesis Smart Trunk also opens within three seconds so long as the key is in one’s pocket and within three feet, and stand there for three seconds. It pops it open. Ironically, the Genesis isn’t a sport sedan in the manner of the Cadillac CTS or Audi A6 even though many drivers may perceive it as exactly that. Hyundai had called on Lotus Engineering, the British Zen masters of handling, to help develop and validate the handling dynamics.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

News

Weststar introduces Mercedes Benz Viano

FTER delivering the Sprinter Ambulance into the auto industry, Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Nigeria - now presents the MercedesBenz Viano. The Viano is a multi-purpose vehicle that comes ready equipped with everything that a fully-fledged family vehicle needs as well as catering fully for the business class and VIPs. With room for up to eight people and a highly flexible passenger compartment, it boasts of all the right credentials for trips to various holiday and family destinations. It also comes with the qualities that have always been the hallmark of Mercedes Benz - an extensive safety package, excellent comfort and exemplary functionality. Thanks to its comfort suspension, the vast array of equipment features and an interior with a superior quality feel to it, the Viano is not just an outstanding family car; it also makes an excellent shuttle vehicle, company vehicle or tourer. The famous intelligently combined, innovative technologies -

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

blue efficiency which contributes towards a tangible reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions comes standard in the Viano with a top notch V6 petrol engine and automatic transmission. Other fuel-saving features are: shift-point display, 1 ECO power-steering pump, battery management, and tyres with optimised rolling resistance. Available in Nigeria via Weststar, or any of its dealerships, is the Viano Ambiente. The Ambiente design line envelopes its occupants with tastefully designed interior featuring highclass materials. Illuminated entrances and soft carpeting welcome the driver and passenger immediately the doors are opened. All seats, plus the 4-spoke multi-function steering wheel, the gear shift lever and parts of the inside door panelling, are trimmed in leather. The standard Lugano leather upholstery with fluting on the seat centre sections makes a particularly elegant impression.

•Mercedes-Benz Viano

The electrically adjustable and heated exterior door mirrors with integrated clear-lens indicators afford a larger field of vision. Elegant decor strips in Brown Walnut wood-effect design add an extra touch of class to the cockpit’s highquality surfaces. The centre console offers plenty of storage space as well as the added

•Toyota Nigeria Ltd (TNL) Managing Director, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo and Public Relations and Advert Manager Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi during TNL awards in Lagos.

Peugeot will leverage a network of roughly a dozen dealers that will be capable of rapidly implementing the quality standards required by the Brand and supporting its business growth in Nigeria. The agreement is aligned with the new automotive industry development policy established by the Nigerian government. Commenting on the signature of this new agreement, Jean-Christophe

liant finish for the sophisticated corrosion prevention system from Mercedes-Benz. The bodywork is fully galvanised and treated with a cavity-fill preserving agent ex-factory, which ensures durable protection against corrosion. Weststar and its dealerships offer the Viano in Obsidian black, Dolmite and Cubanite silver.

KIA partners Diamond Bank

IA Motors Nigeria is partnering Diamond Bank for a convenient and flexible financing scheme for the range of KIA vehicles. Auto lovers can opt for any model in the new agreement. Choosing the right auto finance from the many available options is one of the dilemmas faced by customers and most often, they go for any that they come by. Now KIA Motors Nigeria in collaboration with Diamond Bank has come forward to give back the ‘freedom to choose’ to the

France firm, PAN sign assembly agreement

SA Peugeot Citroën and PAN Nigeria Limited have signed an assembly and sale of cars agreement in Nigeria. The first vehicle concerned by the agreement will be the Peugeot 301, the assembly of which has begun at the Kaduna plant. Under the terms of the agreement, PAN Nigeria Limited will also be able to assemble the Peugeot 508 and the Peugeot 308.

convenience of a cup holder. The Viano is renowned for its dynamic, comfortable and, above all, safe handling. The pleasant allround driving sensation can be attributed to the rear air suspension with standard electronic self-levelling as well as the Electronic Stability Programme ESP. The Viano’s paint provides a bril-

Quémard, Operations Director, Africa-Middle East said: “This assembly agreement perfectly illustrates what the group aims to achieve with its new region-based organisation. As announced in the “Back in the Race” strategic plan, we are going to focus more on growth markets. The assembly of the Peugeot 301 in Nigeria, a growth pillar in Africa, will enable the group to take full advantage of growth opportunities in the market.”

customers with its unique Auto Loan. The highlights of the new KIA Motors Nigeria and Diamond Bank auto loan are its fixed repayment over the loan tenure, no management fees, free vehicle registration, discounted insurance premium, competitive interest rate, faster processing, simple documentation procedures with a world-class professional service. In an attempt to make the scheme available to all customers irrespective of their domiciled bank, the auto loan is available to all existing customers and noncustomers of Diamond Bank with a free smart phone on every car financed. One of the distinctive factors of Diamond Auto Loan for KIA vehicles is the service standards it offers to the customers. Loans are available to both salaried and selfemployed persons. In addition to the attractive interest rate, Diamond Bank auto finance scheme promises a faster turnaround time. Loans will be processed within few hours, provided all the required documents are submitted with the

application. “We understand that everyone’s credit situation is unique which is why we partner with Diamond Bank’s team of auto finance car loan experts to work with you to offer the best auto financing and car loan solutions along with competitive rates for the all new KIA vehicles,” Kia Motor Nigeria Marketing Head Kayode Adejumo said. “If you’re like many of our customers at KIA Motors Nigeria, chances are you’re planning on financing your new purchase. While financing a car may seem complicated, our partnership with Diamond Bank ensures that you own the car of your dream by finding a plan that works for you,” Adejumo added. For as low as N37, 000 monthly payment, customers can own a KIA Picanto while the Rio monthly payment starts from N47, 000. Cerato, Soul and Optima monthly payment starts from N57, 000, N62, 000 and N86, 000 respectively. Sportage monthly payment starts from N96, 000 and Sorento starts from N114, 000.

Coscharis celebrates 90 years of Morris Garages

OSCHARIS Motors Limited is celebrating 90th anniversary of Morris Garages (MG) with a display of MG range at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The anniversary was recently celebrated at Silverstone Circuit in United Kingdom. A key aspect of the display is the opportunity for a test drive offer to potential customers for any of the brand vehicles of their choice, to experience the luxury and capabilities

of the vehicle. Coscharis Motors acquired the MG franchise as the sole representative of the brand in Nigeria three years ago and has since then enjoyed a reasonable patronage during this period. While the brand is still relatively new in Nigeria, it has a British heritage of over 90 years. MG Motors UK has recurrently recorded the best ever quarter sales performance globally. With sales increase by 57.4 per cent,

MG remains the fastest growing manufacturer in UK. The success of the iconic brand is attributed to the introduction of high tech diesel and petrol engines across the MG variants and rapid expansion of its global network. According to Helyn Osandu, the General Manager, Sales, Coscharis MG, “the first-all-new MG in 16 years - the MG 6 represents the exterior direction of the new generation of models for the re-born Brit-

ish brand’’. It offers modern British sporting style with a spacious and advanced interior that fits right in with contemporary luxury cars. The aim is to create a whole new set of benchmarks for inter-medium sedan cars with class leading interior space, superior rear passenger legroom, and enough head-space to make for a spacious and comfortable ride. Safety standards are another key point in all new MG line-up.

Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing said: ‘’Coscharis Motors as part of the anniversary package to further delight our existing customers and new prospects alike has decided to showcase this unique MG brand and offers two years warranty, adequate after-sales back-up, genuine spare parts, finance and leasing; all to create more value and excitement for the customers.

SAFE DRIVING

Road safety: Unemployment and terror attack victims’ funding

HILE watching the live telecast of the Federal Government’s funding drive for Nigeria’s victims of terror attacks, through the committee headed by General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd), my heart bled for this nation. I watched how millions and billions of dollars and naira were donated cheerfully by Individuals and organisations. This is cheering news you may say but personally, I want you to read this article further before you congratulate the Federal Government and the donors for the successful fundraising event.

Most Nigerian roads have been in deplorable state for several years now with irreparable lives and valuable properties being lost through accidents caused by the conditions of these roads nationwide. These roads have not been fixed because of lack of funds. Government officials and all the victims of terror attack fund donors also ply these bad roads crying for repairs and reconstruction. Why is it that till date, no fundraising dinner has been organised to raise funds and repair or reconstruct these roads as well as provide road furniture to reduce the rate of accidents

caused by these bad roads? International Labour Organisation has said it! National Bureau of Statistics has echoed it! Central Bank of Nigeria has said it! The Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance has said it! That the rate of unemployment in Nigeria has reached an alarming rate and has become a time bomb some of which are already exploding in form of socio – economic vices, insurgency or terrorism, unrest, cyber crimes and militancy among others. Why has the government, corporate organisations and high networth in-

dividuals in Nigeria not seen the need to organise proactive fund raising dinner with a Committee to intervene in creation of profitable and sustainable jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria? Is it because children of the highly placed people are not finding it difficult to get jobs that no serious and highly effective action has been paid to it? Is the government not yet seeing unemployment as an emergency worse than terrorism? You may tell me that the government is already intervening in job creation through NAPEP, NDE, YOU-WIN and SURE – P among others.

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

Taxation

Change in accounting date: Tax implications

IFFERENT and sometimes challenging business decisions can force companies to change their accounting dates. Sometimes regulatory pronouncements such as that issued to banks post consolidation to have a uniform year end was an event which saw all banks in one fell swoop change their different accounting dates to December. While some companies have adopted calendar years, some others use fiscal years, whichever method is adopted is subject to tax implications. Whereas in the United States the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must give permission for companies to change their accounting dates, especially to tackle tax avoidance, and may take as much as 10 years to effect another change in some cases, it is not yet so in Nigeria, an area which should be addressed. However, a lot of companies still do not know that there are tax implications to change of dates in their accounting period beyond the approval they get from their shareholders to do so. The FIRS being aware of different methods applied by tax consultants and tax officers in the treatment of changes in accounting dates, with each method yielding different results in under-assessment or incorrect assessments levied on taxpayers issued a circular in February 2006 as a guide to officers who have responsibility for filing and assessment duties, and those who may be required, as a matter of duty to carry out preliminary reviews on tax returns submitted by companies as well as officers vested with audit responsibilities, who from time to time will come across cases of change in accounting dates in the course of their audit assignment. Changes in accounting dates There are a number of reasons why a business may wish to change its accounting date and these reasons may include: i) The need to synchronize the accounting date of a subsidiary with that of the holding company. ii) The convenience of stock taking at a particular period of the year. iii) A business may take over the operation of another and as a result wish to change the accounting date of the company taken over to that of its own. Where a change in accounting date takes place, be it a sole trader, partnership or a limited liability company, the provisions of section 29(4) of the CAP 21 LFN of 2004 will apply. The Act provides that the Tax Authorities have the power to decide the basis of computing the tax liability for the year in which the change occurs and the two following years of assessment. As should be expected, the tax official will base his decision on the best advantage to the tax authority. It is important to note that the three relevant years to be considered are: i) The assessment year in which the accounting date becomes different from the date of the earlier years. This is known as the year when the change occurred. ii) The next two years of assessment following that in which the change occurred. In practice, calculations are made on both the old and new dates. The greater of these two aggregates will be

‘However, a lot of companies still do not know that there are tax implications to change of dates in their accounting period beyond the approval they get from their shareholders to do so’

the likely choice of the revenue authority. Years involved in the tax computations Whenever a request for a change of accounting date has been approved, the company making the change shall be assessed to tax through a special process of determining the basis of assessment. This process requires computations for three relevant years. Where the year of cessation is involved (ultimate year) in these three relevant years, the request for a change shall not be approved. However, where the year immediately before the year of cessation (penultimate year) is involved in these three relevant years, the request may be approved by the FIRS, depending on other evidences before it. Assessment procedure on change of accounting date For an on-going business, assessment is based on preceding year. But whenever there is a change of accounting date, a normal accounting period may not have ended in the year of change. This is so because when there is a change of accounting date, it is either that an account is prepared for more than twelve months to the new accounting date or even less than twelve months to the new accounting year end. The FIRS will often adopt the following procedures to determine the assessments for the three relevant years: i) Identifying the first year in which the business has failed to make up the accounts to its usual accounting date. ii) Identifying the two years immediately following the year of failure. iii) Computing assessable profit for the three relevant years based on the old accounting date (on preceding year basis). iv) Computing assessable profit for the three relevant years based on the new accounting date (on preceding year basis). v) Adding up the assessable profits for the three years in (iii) and (iv) above separately. vi) Selecting the higher of the two profits added up in (v) above. Illustrations Example 1 Julius Blake Nigeria Limited has been in business for many years. It has for a long time prepared its annual accounts up to 30th April. In 1996, it decided to change its accounting date to 31st October. Available figures showed its adjusted profits as follows: N (No. of Months) Year ended 30/4/1995 450,000 12 Period ended 31/10/1996 830,000 18 Year ended 31/10/1997 590,000 12 Year ended 31/10/1998 600,000 12 You are required to compute the correct assessments for all the relevant years in the light of the change in accounting date. Solution Julius Blake Nigeria Limited Computation of Assessment Note: The last account submitted before the change was 30th April 1995. Therefore, the year of change is 1996. The three relevant years are therefore 1996, 1997 and 1998. a) Original Assessments (Based on old Accounting date of 30th April)

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed

Mashi

Year of Assessment. Basis Period Assessment 1996 P:Y.B(1/5/94-30/4/95) N450,000 1997 1/5/95 – 30/4/95 12/18 x 830,000 N553,333 1998 1/5/96 – 30/4/97 (6/18 x 830,000) + (6/12 x 590,000) N571,667 b)

Assessment Based on 31st October

Year of Assessment. Basis Period Assessment 1996 1/11/94 – 31/10/95 (1/11/94-30/4/95) + (1/ 5/95-31/10/95) (6/12 x 450,000) + 6/18 x 830,000) N501,667 1997 P.Y.B. to 31/10/96 1/11/95 – 31/10/96 12/18 x 830,000 N553,333 1998 P.Y.B. to 31/10/97 N590,000 c) Summary of Assessments Year 1996 1997 1998

Old date of 30th April N 450,000 553,333 571,667 1,575,000

new date of 31st October N 501,667 553,333 590,000 1,645,000

Conclusion: The Revenue Service will choose to raise assessments on the basis of the new accounting date as it results in greater assessment.

‘Whenever a request for a change of accounting date has been approved, the company making the change shall be assessed to tax through a special process of determining the basis of assessment. This process requires computations for three relevant years’

Monday, August 18, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

OSUN 2014 REPORTER’S DIARY The deployment of troops in Osun State during the August 9 governorship election generated so much controvery. Before and during the poll, security agents were on the prowl. Many chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were arrested. But, there was no harassment of voters on poll day. EMMANUEL OLADESU, who monitored the exercise, revisits the role of security agents during the exercise.

Osun: A tale of militarised poll O

SUN State governorship election will linger in the memory of stakeholders for some time. Throughout the campaigns, there was never a time I thought that the poll will not be free and fair, despite the combative approach adopted by the two major political parties-the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But, two days before I embarked on my journey to Osogbo, the state capital, I started nursing some fears. On Tuesday, my motherin-law said she was troubled by what she had been reading in the newspapers about preparations for the poll. I and assured her that all was well. I woke up on Thursday and prayed as my in-law had advised me. Then, I set out. As I was entering Ibadan, my elder sister called on phone. Where are you? She asked. Without waiting for my reply, she said: “I know you are in Osogbo or about to leave Lagos for Osogbo. The campaigns there have been hot. Please, try to protect yourself. When Oyinlola and Aregbesola were fighting some years’ back, some people died. But, now, the two of them are friends. So, be careful. Oju l’alakan fi nso’ri o.” But, these feelings paled into a figment of hyperactive imagination when we got to Ikire, the border town. To the surprise of three of us in the car- our photographer, Dayo Adewumi, a colleague from another media house, and I - there was no roadblock manned by soldiers or policemen. Hawkers of dodo Ikire, roasted chicken, oranges and other fruits were going about with their hawking. The first roadblock was at Gbongan, near Ode-Omu. Four soldiers were there for the routine stopand-search duty. They were polite. “When are you coming from?” one of them asked me. “From Lagos sir,” I replied. “Who are you?”he asked again. “We are reporters,” I replied. Reporters from where? I answered that we were from The Nation. “Oh, that is the newspaper writing about us. What is inside your boot?”. “Bags and books sir,” I replied. After inspecting the boot, he smiled. “You are going for election. Go. Drive carefully,” he said. There was no roadblock at OdeOmu. There was none at the Ede junction. The next roadblock we came across was at Osogbo, some five hundred metres to the State Secretariat. Stern looking soldiers stopped us. We greeted them politely. That elicited a bright smile from one of them. “Who are you?” he asked. “We are journalists”. Then, he asked: “Show me your ID card”. We obliged. After inspecting out boots, he asked us to go. “Write something good about us o. We are here o”, he said. Four hundred metres from the first road block was another one. We saw few cars on the queue. One by one, they were asking them to move. When it was our turn, the car was checked. Then, the question from one of them: “What have you come to do here?”. I responded that we have come to cover the election as journalists. The soldier smiled and asked us to go. Driving by the Independent Na-

• Soldiers at Osogbo.

tional Electoral Commission (INEC) on Osogbo/Gbogan road, a detachment of soldiers and policemen was at the gate. But, there was no roadblock in the front of the office. Residents were carrying out their legitimate business. Commercial motorcyclists and drivers were moving without molestation. On getting to the Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 Support Group office, there was a huge crowd of party supporters. The group was holding a press conference on the proposed poll. That was few hours after the APC national Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, had finished addressing the media in the state capital. Policemen and soldiers were on guard at the PDP campaihn office. Suddenly, there was commotion. A PDP youth sighted a Television Continental reporter and descended on the poor guy. “Who sent you here? What do you want here? I know your mission. It won’t work”, he barked as he was raining blows on the reporter. Promptly, soldiers rescued him. But, other PDP boys insisted that the boy should be punished for coming to cover the event. When soldiers could not persuade them to stop harassing the reporter, they took him into their van and drove off. Night was falling. So, we headed for the hotel already booked for us on Osogbo/Ikirun road. At the popular junction before the Freedom Park, we were stopped by soldiers. They were friendly. In few seconds, they dispatched us. When we got to the hotel, we encountered a problem. Many soldiers and police-

men were lodged there. In hush tones, the securitymen started to protest that they were lodged together with reporters. Later, the manager came out to tell us that the hotel booking for us had been cancelled, advising us to seek accommodation elsewhere. Through the help of The Nation’s correspondent at Osogbo, Soji Adeniyi, we managed to secure rooms in Yetimama Hotel, a stone throw from the popular Orita roundabout, Osogbo. The room allocated to me was an eyesore. It was dirty. But, for that night, there was no alternative. On Friday, the state was peaceful. More indigenes had trooped into the towns and villages. Many PDP and APC stalwarts from across the federation had also come to give solidarity to Iyiola Omisore and Governor raud Aregbesola. Last minute mobilisation and strategy meetings were being held across the 30 local governments by politicians. At the APC Situation Room, Okefia, party chieftains were busy holding meetings. Throughout the eve of the election, soldiers and policemen were parading the streets of Osogbo and other towns. But, there was no reported case of molestation. At noon, a rumour spread like a wildfire in the social media. “Have you heard that some people have started thumb printing at Gbongan? Have you heard that some people have been arrested with ballot boxes in Ede?”, a right activist who had come to observe the election asked on phone. I told him that the only way to know is to go to the police command and seek for clarification. Po-

lice spokesperson, Folasade Odoro, told reporters that it was a fabrication. In the afternoon, the Resident Electoral Chairman, Olusegun Agbaje, addressed reporters at the INEC office, saying that the poll will be free and fair. He said he had assurance from security agents that policing would be done with patriotism and sense of responsibility. The opposite was the case at night. Around 9.30 pm, a lawyer, Kunle Adegoke, called to inform me that there was fire on the mountain. “I don’t understand this democracy anymore. APC leaders are being arrested by soldiers and police. Call their leaders to confirm”, he said. Some of the leaders contacted complained that soldiers had stormed Ede with an intention to abduct Senator Isiaka Adeleke, former governor of Osun State. The former governor did not allow them to enter his premises. As they fired shots, his security aides also fired shots. After about five minutes, they left. Confirming the onslaught, Adeleke said that the soldiers who attempted to invade his premises covered their faces. At 10 pm, Adegoke called again. He said that there was commotion in Ilesa. “The Commissioner for Agriculture, Wale Adedoyin, has been arrested by police. Tijani Oladosu has been arrested. Policemen are still surrounding the residence of Senator Bayo Salami in Osogbo. A legislator in Ife/Ijesa has escaped into the bush, but they are harassing his wife, children and other people in the house. The Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner, Wale Afolabi, has also been taken away.

‘The legislator from Ile-Ife, was agonising in the bush where he was hiding. He said on phone: “ Hired policemen had chased APC members into the bush in Ijesa area. I can’t reveal where I am now. I escaped into the bush. Many of our leaders are in the bush; wounded. We don’t know whether they are policemen or fake police’

Call Alhaji Lai Mohammed for details,” he said. I called Mohammed’s number. It was going. But, the APC spokesman did not pick his phone. Another APC chieftain later called to say that Mohammed himself had been arrested. “When chieftains of the ruling party got wind of these arrests, some of them fled from home for safe locations in the night. If they wait, they may not participate in the election tomorrow”, he said. The police denied the arrest that night. However, the detained chieftains were released around 11.am on poll day. Shortly after she was accredited by polling officers that Saturday, the deputy governor, Mrs. Grace Tomori-Laoye, reflected on their ordeal. She said. “I did not sleep throughout the night. A lot of our members, APC members, were harassed, molested, and picked up by the police. In Oba-Oke, the monarch called me that the town was in turmoil. The youth leader was picked. There were attempts to arrest Senator Adebayo Salami. In Ede, there were attempts to arrest Senator Isiaka Adeleke. Two commissioners were arrested. A party chieftain, Owonikoko, was also picked. I called the police. The police denied. Some people are threatening to disrupt voting. The policemen were tying ankara on their ankles and they said that they covered their faces”. The legislator from Ile-Ife, was agonising in the bush where he was hiding. He said on phone: “ Hired policemen had chased APC members into the bush in Ijesa area. I can’t reveal where I am now. I escaped into the bush. Many of our leaders are in the bush; wounded. We don’t know whether they are policemen or fake police”. Also, Adeleke who was interviewed on the Osun State Radio, protested the assault on his residence. “I had relocated from my house to my mother’s house to vote. At 1 am on the eve of the poll, a van containing military men, SSS, police with AK 47 came to my house. I was taking my bath. They said I should open my gates. I said no. They started shooting. Five minutes later, they left. They covered their faces”. After Adeleke, the Agriculture commissioner was also on air. Narrating his ordeal, he said: “Around 9.15 pm, some people were banging my gate in my house at Ilesa.They said I should open the gate. I reported to the SSS. The SSS said that I should not open. After 15 minutes, one of them jumped the fence into my house. They said that, if I don’t open my door, they will blow up my house. They said they wanted to interrogate me at their office in Osogbo.” In Ila, former APC Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande annoyed. “An old man of over 80 years was seized at Ifedayo local government and dropped at Osogbo. We have called his children to go and pick him up,” he said. Then, the lamentation by Afolabi, the chief law enforcement officer. “They took my car key from me and pushed me inside the police station. Iam a lawyer and chief law officer of • Continued on page 46

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

POLITICS OSUN 2014 REPORTER’S DIARY

Unlearned lessons of Osun poll H

AVING just returned from an official trip some days before the poll, I was unsure whether I would want to concentrate on an assignment I was working on or be part of Osun election reportage. But, having followed with keen interest the campaigns of the two contenders in the race, including the pretenders as well, I welcomed with trepidation my selection into The Nation’s formidable team of Osun Defenders, as Olayinka Oyegbile, acting Sunday Editor, aptly dubbed the eight-man squad that covered the election for Nigeria’s widestcirculating newspaper. Because I know the terrain as well as the political demographics, being my state, which I have also reported very well in the past, I was of the opinion that hell would be let loose if any political party attempted to subvert the electoral mandate of the people, as signs were rife during the noisy rallies that such a sinister plan was in the offing. The empty boasts of some political leaders in the state did not help

By Adekunle Yusuf

matters in the days leading to the election, as some were openly vowing that the votes would not determine the winner and that the poll result would be announced only in Abuja. Whether it is proper to take their boasts as mere bunkuns or not, similar scenarios played out in 2007, when the state was engulfed in flames over attempts to rig the governorship election. As a reporter, I witnessed, first hand, the wave of ballot snatching and other forms of electoral malfeasance that hallmarked the 2007 poll in the state, better described as a rape of democracy. All this took place under the supervision of security agents. Although it was not yet a fad to draft troops to polling booths at the time, Osun was literally under the invasion of soldiers who supervised its election. As expected, I documented the ensuing public anger, avoidable deaths and houses burnt. Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who won the election at the time, was

•Osun REC Olusegun Agbaje

robbed of victory. He had to fight tooth and nail in the court for more than three years to reclaim his stolen mandate. That was why I feared that a repeat of history would spell doom for the peaceful state. With all this in mind, I prepared for the worst before bidding my family goodbye! However, despite my preparation, I almost shuddered by the time the first sign that reporting the poll would be

hectic stared me in the face in Gbongan. Soldiers, heavily armed and stern-looking, shouted the vehicle to a stop. After looking at us for about five minutes without uttering a word, one of the soldiers ordered that the booth be opened. Not satisfied yet, he decreed that the bags be flung open. We complied without a whimper, as expected. Perhaps disappointed for not finding anything incriminating, he walked some steps away from the vehicle, refusing to talk. After some more minutes of further observation, he was however gracious enough to gesticulate with his menancing gun that we can go. I was glad we passed the first test - just like that! Similar treatments, differing only in terms of intensity, happened till we reached Osogbo, the state capital, as we were constantly treated to a dose of incivility. Although subsequent roadblocks mounted by security agents - soldiers, mobile police force, men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps - all tried their best to make us look like a conquered people, we persevered. To my chagrin, I was to realise later that Osogbo, which I had visited a week earlier, had also lost its serenity to sirens as hordes of security agents took over the state capital drove recklessly - all in the name of securing the state to achieve a peaceful poll. If all the security agents

shared crudity and savagery as traits, only the policemen asked for gratifications. “Oga we dey here. Make you buys us pure water o,” some of the neatly dressed policemen incessantly asked. A day before the poll, desirous of gauging the mood in the camp of the incumbent, I went to the Government House where I spent quality time mingling with some top chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including some friends of Aregbesola’s administration. I tried my best to get people to bare their mind on their expectations, frustrations and fears, if any, for the next day. My findings: optimism was swirling in the air in the APC family, as all expected the incumbent to overun his main challenger in a free and fair contest. Later, I tried to balance my findings with goings-on in the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At its secretariat, I was met with people wearing a stone face, as armed security agents were also on hand, which to me, did more of intimidation than protection. To confess, I spent just a few minutes here, for fear of being labelled an enemy or spy. I took this precaution because of an experience in June this year. In my presence, a colleague of mine was almost • Continued on page 48

Osun and politics of troop deployment • Continued from page 45

the state. I met the Agriculture commissioner there. They asked me to write a statement. SSS interrogated us. I didn’t have any incriminating material in my car.” When news about the arrest got to Aregbesola, he cried foul. He told reporters that a flawed process had heralded the poll. “The problem is not with the people, but with the institutions charged with the conduct of the election. Not all security agents maintained neutrality. The crackdown on APC leaders was unwarranted. They were molested, brutalised and incarcerated. Their crime is that they are chieftains of the APC. Osun is under the siege of the gun. What does the Federal Government want? Do they want to force their candidate on the people or they want the people to exercise their right to vote. They want to stage a civilian coup in Osun.” However, the molestation of key APC leaders did not prevent people from coming out to vote. Indeed, voters were not molested. In fact, the victimisation of party leaders stopped on the election day. The only person who was assaulted was Adeleke. But, for the second time, he escaped being arrested by the police, although his aides were whisked away. The election, generally, could be said to be free and fair. In all the polling centres I visited, there was no complaints about the peculiar mistakes of INEC that characterised the 2007 elections. From 8 am to 4pm, movement was restricted across the state. Voters stormed polling units for accreditation without the fear of intimidation by thugs. Owing to the huge turnout, accreditation could not be completed at noon. Prospective voters who came late were not allowed to join the queue by polling officers and security agents. Ahead of the poll, sensitive and non-sensitive polling materials had been deployed to the local governments by the INEC. There were no complaints about shortage of voting materials, late coming by polling officers, absence of accreditation materials, lack of voters’ register and harassment and molestation of voters by security agents. Also, there was no case of ballot snatching by thugs.

However, selected party agents had an axe to grind with the INEC. They complained that they were not allowed to monitor voting by INEC officials and security agents. The affected agents did not have identification tags. To douse the anxiety, Agbaje, directed some officials to issue tags to the agents. The REC later explained to reporters at Ilesa that the non-issuance of tags to the agents was not deliberate. Agbaje said: “ I have received calls from party leaders on the complaint. Many party agents did not show up with their tags. They did not go to the polling booths with tags. We have directed that the specific electoral officer should return to the INEC Office to release the tags to them.” Reporters assembled at the INEC office as from 7.30 pm for the results of the poll. For seven and half hours, there was suspense. That was between 12 midnight on Saturday and 7.30 on Sunday, when the people anxiously waited for the announcement of the final result by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Bamitale Omole, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. One after the other, the Local Government Collation officers were returning to the office from 30 local governments. Many of them looked tired. Hours before that, there were jubilations in many parts of the state, particularly Osogbo, Ede, Iwo, Ejigbo, and Ilesa. Based on the reports of APC agents, party chieftains were also in celebration mood. But, the celebration of the governor’s victory was suspended, following the delay by the university don. At 1.51 am, Omole, came to the collation office. He was accompanied by the INEC National Commissioner, Ambassador Mohammadu Wali, the National Commissioners for Election Operations, Nuhu Yakubu, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Olusegun Agbaje and his Ondo State counterpart, Akin Orebiyi. He called

the collation officers to announce the results before submission to him. As the COs begun to submit the results one after the other, there was no panic and no eyebrow was raised by any of the political parties’ representatives. However, tension rose when it took Omole a long time to announce the winner. Party leaders from far and near bombarded the electoral agency with phone calls and text messages. Suddenly, the rumour of likely malpractice and distortion of the final result at the final collation spread like a wild fire. Many had kept vigil as they were glued to television sets monitoring the collation. Aregbesola, who had returned to the Government House, Osogbo from Ilesa, where he had gone to cast his vote, was restless. Some chieftains even wanted him to declare himself winner, as the late Chief Moshhod Abiola did, when the electoral agency suspended the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election results. At the APC Situation Room, a party chieftain shouted: “I suspect a foul play. It appears that they wanted to rig the election, even at this stage.” Another said: “We must act fast. These people can do and undo.” When the rumour spread to the final collation centre that midnight, many people were enveloped in anxiety. Reporters, security agents, party agents and others were discussing in hush tones. “Is it true that there is an order from above putting the announcement on hold,” a party chieftain, who was visibly worried, asked. There was no answer. One of the chieftains of a smaller party alleged that a notable PDP gladiator from the Southeast had advised the Federal Government to deploy more troops to curtail any violent reaction, if the PDP candidate, Omisore, was declared winner. In hush tones, people started discussing the misleading statement in the social media by a former minister that PDP chieftains and followers were also celebrating victory.

This further heightened the tension. But, a rights activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, told reporters that the state would be on fire, if the loser is declared winner. “No responsible government at the centre will allow that”, he said. Many reporters also swarmed the APC agent at the collation centre, Hon. Oladosu Rasak. He looked pale. When I approached him to react to the delay, he noted that the submission of results by 30 LGA COs could take time because of the distance between some local government headquarters and the state capital. But, Rasak agreed that the delay in final collation was suspicious. Asked to react to the allegation that the PDP candidate may be declared winner, he said: “I have had that too, but how it can be possible is what I don’t know.” Another APC chieftain, Ajibola Famurewa, a member of the House of Representatives, who strolled into the collation centre around 12 midnight, said: “At this stage, it is too late to rig. We will wait for the pronouncement by the chief returning officer. I tell you, we have our facts. we are winning 23 local governments.” But, Information Commissioner Hon. Sunday Akere, was not worried. Exuding confidence, he said: “We have voted and the people have decided. We know the result already. We are only here for validation and affirmation by the INEC,” he said. Around 7 am on Sunday, reporters and party agents were running out of patience. Some of them claimed to have graduated from “Great Ife.” “All we are saying, give us the result,” they chorused in protest. Omole was not indifferent to their protest. He urged them to exercise more patience. “I thank you for your patience. Give me two minutes to round up and announce the result, “ he said. The OAU Vice Chancellor was not unaware of the suspicion of the INEC by stakeholders. Apparently, he wanted to verify the results before releasing the correct figures. The old

‘Tension rose when it took Omole a long time to announce the winner. Party leaders from far and near bombarded the electoral agency with phone calls and text messages. Suddenly, the rumour of likely malpractice and distortion of the final result at the final collation spread like a wild fire’

• Senator Obanikoro

teacher shunned the calculator and opted for manual calculation. The manual calculation was done for almost three and half hours. During that suspense, anxiety and tension had had heightened. But, when he declared Aregbesola as the winner, the tension fizzled out in seconds. Chieftains of the APC and smaller parties embraced. The drama had not ended. The PDP agent at the collation centre, Hon. Bolu Ajao, stirred controversy when he rejected the results by refusing to sign the result sheet. “We have notified the commission about the lapses in the election. We have issue with the integrity of the process. Our candidate is in the best position to take an appropriate action,” he told reporters. After the verdict, security men assembled immediately, waiting for the next order. In droves, they left the INEC office, singing and dancing. In five minutes, the roadblocks were dismantled. According to the result, the governor, who won convincingly in 22 local governments, scored 394,684 votes, beating his main challenger, Omisore, who polled 292,747 and second runner-up, Fatai Akinbade, who got 8,898. Omisore won in eight councils. There was celebration in town on Sunday. Commercial motorcyclists drove round furiously. Women trooped out with brooms, the symbol of the ruling party. A large crowd converged to celebrate at the Freedom Park, Osogbo.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

POLITICS OSUN 2014 REPORTER’S DIARY

• Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori

• Aregbesola

• Senator Omisore

• Akinbade

Aregbesola, Omisore: A battle of wits T

HE intense media focus on alleged plans to rig and militarise the August 9 Osun governorship election informed my borrowing from the wise counsel of the Boy Scouts’ motto, “ Be Prepared,” immediately I was named as part of The Nation’s team to cover the exercise.

Getting set for the poll

On my way to Osogbo on Thursday, August 7, the impact of media reports concerning the moves to militarise the poll became apparent when we saw a convoy of men and officers of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Ife Road, some kilometres from Ibadan-Iwo Road intersection. The time was about 11.23 a.m. The NSDC’s operatives should be about 450. The convoy, which must have stopped for refreshments, included a dog-handling team. Scores of ferocious-looking dogs were parked in a separate truck. On the way too, we met a detachment of soldiers at another junction leading to Osogbo. Our vehicle was stopped and two deadly looking soldiers searched it as other trigger-ready colleagues watched carefully. One of the soldiers asked about the contents and owners of two bags in the booth of the commercial vehicle I boarded. After minutes of prying into the vehicle and checking the faces of passengers, the soldiers passed the vehicle. Four other checkpoints were met on the way and the same process occurred.

Security, transportation and traffic

We entered Osogbo at about 12.17p.m same day after our vehicle had two stopovers due to mechanical faults. In the metropolis, we met no fewer than 42 siren-blowing Hilux patrol vehicles and military trucks loaded with soldiers, men of Directorate of State Security (DSS), policemen, Mobile policemen, men of Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) as well as Bomb Disposal squads. They wore different shades and colours of uniforms. Some were half-hooded while others were fully hooded at night. I also noticed that the influx of personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), indigenes based in the state and other parts of the country warranted high traffic around Olaiya, Oke-fia, Mandela Park, Ogooluwa Area and other areas in the state capital. Unlike what is obtainable in key areas of Lagos, commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, operated unrestricted in Osogbo, Ede, Ogbaagba, Iwo and their neighbourhoods where I monitored the election. Both commercial motorcyclists, commercial and private vehicles readily assisted my transportation and other journalists’ movements in-between hotel accommodations, Correspondents’ Chapel on Olaiya Road, Nigeria Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) Secretariat and Guest House at Technical Area, INEC office and other electoral hotspots in Osogbo, Iwo and Ogbaagba.

How hotels, eateries, banks, ladies shaped the poll In the course of my searching for accommodation and meals during the election and after, I discovered that hotels, eateries and banks as-

By Bola Olajuwon, Assistant Editor

sisted in shaping the success of the election. To managers of the affected places, businesses had never been so good. Hotel accommodation in Osogbo and its suburbs were fully booked about four weeks before the election. Motel managers exploited the gaps created by dearth of habitable places for guests by turning them to 24-hour room service and then charging rates associated with better hotels within their vicinity. After un-successful attempts at securing a habitable accommodation in many hotels on the first day of arriving at Osogbo, I and a colleague managed to secure a room in a dirty and mosquitoravaged motel with dilapidated doors, at almost the rate with hotels with better facilities within the same area! The odour that emanated from the toilet made me to pray for the dawn to manifest with speed. Managers of restaurants and hotels I also visited confirmed that businesses were good in the last one week to the election and after. The popular NUJ Secretariat on Iwo Road, Osogbo was a Mecca of sort for many journalists, INEC officials and politicians during the period. Journalists expecting to book rooms at the guest house were disappointed. Banks I also visited in the state capital were filled with customers in need of cash for the weekend. Politicians and party officials were also around for a last-minute withdrawal for payment of their agents and for miscellaneous expenses. Security men were seen explaining to customers at five banks I went that high withdrawals necessitated frequent stocking of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with cash in the last five days. The ATMs at FirstBank, Mainstreet, Ecobank and Zenith Bank on Bank Street in the state capital were patronised by customers who were in need of cash for foodstuffs and household items. The public holiday granted by the state government on Friday before the election also allowed many workers and residents to troop out for household necessities in supermarkets and markets, leading to traffic on Olaiya Road, Okefia, Mandela Park, Ogooluwa and other areas. I also noticed ladies of easy virtue around hotspots in the state capital ready to hangout with men who were equally ready to pay for their services.

LP candidate Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and the poll Locating the resident and campaign office of the candidate I was detailed to monitor - Alhaji Fatal Akinbade of the Labour Party (LP) was not difficult. Before the governorship election on Saturday, the Labour Party (LP) candidate was rated in the distant third among the 20 candidates that jostled

for the race. Akinbade, a popular politician among the people, was born in April 1955 in Ogbaagba, a town in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area. The qualified civil engineer worked with the state government for over 16 years under three military administrators and then under the civilian Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. In 2003, he was appointed Secretary to the State Government by Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Akinbade had announced his plan to run in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in February 2010 for the April 2011 governorship election. But this did not take place as the Federal Appeal Court, Ibadan in November 2010 declared that the April 2007 election of Olagunsoye Oyinlola was invalid, and in his place declared that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, was the winner. But, I discovered that what confounded many analysts and voters I spoke with in the course of the election was that despite Akinbade’s remote chances and not having the financial muscle as well as the structure to match the other frontline contestants, he was optimistic about his final victory. He premised his campaigns on his “clean record”, “good name”, “goodwill” and “ability to make a better impact more than any of the other candidates.” During the electioneering, Akinbade and his supporters were never linked with any threat to peace or thuggery. Rather, he told his opponent not to see the contest as a do-or-die affair. When I and other reporters confronted him about the claim that he stepped down from the governorship race hours to the poll in support of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Iyiola Omisore, he denied it vehemently. Later, it went viral again that he stepped down for the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) standard-bearer, Governor Rauf Aregbesola. He also came out, denying it. In my presence, he received countless calls from his supporters all over the state on the issue. He was however unscathed. On the eve of the election at his residence in Osogbo as he was getting set for his Ogbaagba hometown, he told me about his expectation on the election: “I have a surprise for my opponent on Saturday.” He also urged that peace should be allowed to reign to enable the electorate choose the candidate of their choice without being threatened under whatever guise. In Ogbaagba, his people acknowledged his presence in the town with the shout of “the governor.” It was also carnival-like as he was received by a huge crowd in his mansion. The young and the elderly prayed for his victory in the election. On the day of the poll, Akinbade was accredited at Unit One, Ward 3 in Ogbaagba, Ola-Oluwa Local Government area at about 9.28a.m. After

‘I think the incumbent governor is winning and that is expected. One can not be surprise considering what happened in Ekiti State governorship election. The governor and his party went back to the drawing board to strategise. The governor has also made a lot of corrections in the last few weeks in preparation for the election; his victory is expected’

the accreditation, he praised the INEC and security personnel on the conduct and organisation of the poll so far. He told me that he would emerge victorious at the end, if the process was not disrupted. About 682 registered at the Ward but 379 were accredited. Also, the former SSG, after voting at about 1.30p.m, told me: “The INEC officials and the security agents have done well so far. At least, with what we have seen, they have done well and this is very reassuring that our democracy is on track.” He said the democracy was already taking shape, adding that in the nearest future, the nation would become a bastion of hope for the African continent and the world. But he lamented on the alleged claim by both the PDP and APC that he had stepped down for their candidates. Most of the voters, who came out for the election, were women. The aged also came out for the election and waited patiently to cast their votes. The Senior Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Rafiu Uzamot, who was accredited at the Ward, praised the process and hoped the election would be peaceful. The INEC Presiding Resident Electoral Commissioner for the council, Edwin Nwatarali, praised voters’ turnout and conduct in the area. He told me there was no hitch in all the 10 wards of the council. There was also orderliness at the Molete and Oke-Adan Ward of Iwo LGA when I visited the area before the commencement of voting. As at about 5p.m as results trickled in, Akinbade expressed his readiness to congratulate anybody that would be declared as winner by the INEC. He later confirmed to me that report reaching him from the field indicated that the candidate of APC was leading in about 23 local government areas. He said: “I think the incumbent governor is winning and that is expected. One can not be surprise considering what happened in Ekiti State governorship election. The governor and his party went back to the drawing board to strategise. The governor has also made a lot of corrections in the last few weeks in preparation for the election; his victory is expected.” The LP candidate finally accepted the outcome of the election. He won his unit with 216 votes and his Ward 3 with 647 votes, trailed by APC with 513 votes and PDP (248). In his Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area, the APC carried the day with 7,927 votes and followed by the PDP, 4,963. When the total result was announced, the APC won with 394,684 votes and PDP with 292,747. The LP was in the distant third with 8,898. Akinbade, as he pledged, congratulated Aregbesola on his victory at the poll the next Sunday. He, however, said he did not regret partaking in the election as LP’s standard-bearer. But he lamented rumours of his alleged stepping down from the race. He told me: “Imagine the Director General of Arebesola Campaign Organisation, Prof. Sola Adeyeye and Diran Odeyemi of the PDP claiming separately on the social media in the morn• Continued on page 48

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 18, 2014

POLITICS OSUN 2014 REPORTER’S DIARY • Continued from page 46

mobbed in Afao Ekiti, hometown of Ayodele Fayose, during the governorship election. His offence: a man who was said to be the immediate younger brother to Fayose unnecssarily got angry that the photojournalist had taken some pictures at the polling unit, which he insisted should not have been taken. “Se Bola Tinubu lo ran e wa, abi?” (So you were sent here by Bola Tinubu?), he shouted, as he intermittently called to ensure that the ‘accused’ is whisked away by the SSS officials, as if these were at his own beck and call. Then came d-day. I came out of my hotel in Osogbo, numbed with fear over the uneasy calm pervading the atmosphere in town, and unsure what the day had in store for my beloved state. Having been innundated with torrents of propaganda messages, accusations and counter-accusations by various parties and interests, I loathed to think of the fatal consequences of any form of electoral manipulation in a state that had recorded flashes of violence as a result of electoral malfeasance in the recent past. As I set out for the day, the hostility some individuals in the PDP readily display towards any journalist they perceive - even mistakenly - as Tinubu’s person forced some thoughts to race through my mind, asking if it is safe or not to report Ile Ife and environs alone. I chose to do it in a group - three photojournalists, The Nation’s Issac Jimoh Ayodele, and myself. On election day, we had the first taste of military bestiality at the popular Olaiya junction in Osogbo. We were stopped for routine check at a roadblock mounted by soldiers, which we did. After seconds had snowballed into minutes, he came back to order us to “park very well.” Yet no check was carried out. No questions asked. All unsolicited explanations that we were acredited to monitor the poll fell on deaf ears. It was until one of the soldiers conferred with his bosses who parked some distance away that we had our moment of respite. Within a short time, we reached Odeomun, where we saw the former Minister of Youth Development, Akinlabi Olasunkanmi do his accreditation. He told us that the day was special to him, adding tongue-in-cheek that “we are electing the man that will govern Osun state properly.” We thereafter drove to the residence of the sitting Minister of Police affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, an indigene of the same town. Here, it was like an owambe party was in progress as all sort of people milled around his residence. There were elaborate cookings amidst heavy presence of policemen. Checks here revealed that the big man was asleep. That was about 8.30am. It was time to be in Ile Ife, home of Senator Iyiola Omisore, candidate of the PDP who had been preparing for the contest since the era of the “five leprous fingers of the same hand” of the late Sani Abacha. On approaching the polling near his residence, a little bit far from the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, we noticed that we were instantly pelted with hostile, totally unwelcome eyes, as if we were intruders. Though we all wore the accreditation tags provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the locals appeared uncomfortable having us around. But we ignored all this, hoping that the big man would come for accreditation, which I needed to update The Nation’s online reporting of the poll. The unwelcome mood however changed when we were joined by other colleagues. But we waited and waited for upward of two hours without seeing him. We rushed to the residence of Babajide Omoworare, a serving senator, in this same town. Omoworare, who represents Osun East in the upper legislative arm, exuded the same optimism I had noticed in the Gov-

• Voters casting their votes.

Unlearned lessons of Osun poll ernment House the day before. He warned of possible disastrous consequences of allowing a repeat of 2007. Back in Omisore’s house. It took long before we realised that it was at Moore, his family compound area, that he would exercise his civic responsibilty. At unit 3 (ward 1), Omisore was greeted by a tumultous crowd of admirers and kinsmen who had gathered to be accredited. “E ku iduro o. E ku iduro,” he greeted the prospective voters without looking in their direction. After accreditation, the PDP candidate was seen seated humbly in a corner in the school housing two polling units, surrounded by hundreds of people obviously enjoying having a glimpse of the man that was introduced by President Goodluck Jonathan during the party’s grand rally in Osogbo as “the next governor of the state.” For long, Omisore was busy working his phones, though it was difficult to ascertain what he was busy about. At a point, perhaps bowing to the relentless pressure from journalists milling around him to grant an interview, Omisore stood up to talk. As usual, newshounds wanted to ask him some questions, which I thought should have come after the man had voted. Despite hordes of journalists around him, he was busy answering his calls, phone call after phone call. It even got to a stage when he had to leave the venue and walked into a more bushy area where he answered possibly what I guessed to be a very important call. Graciously, he talked to the press, after which he voted. Before he voted, he muttered some prayers into the ballot paper and • Continued from page 47

ing of the election that I directed my supporters to vote for Aregbesola and Omisore. This confused my supporters across the state, who bombarded me with calls. This went viral and caused confusion.” He frowned at the development, describing the tactics employed by the two parties as fraudulent, saying it only showed the desperation of the two parties. His advice for the winner: “Now that Aregbesola has emerged, one can only advise that he settles down for real business of governance, by divorcing it from politics.”

dropped it into the box before another session with journalists. Omisore praised the INEC to high heaven, saying his observation so far has vindicated the electoral commission that it can do a good job. He added that he is not worried by any lapses in the conduct of the poll, saying “there is no way an election like this can be perfect.” He also expressed satisfaction about the attitude of security agents, whom he said had risen to the occassion, adding the heavy presence of security agents is good for our democracy because the state will have descended into “total confusion” without them. In his usual cocky and arrogant manner, he also lambasted the ruling party, saying “we have arrested more than 2000 APC thugs and chieftains who wanted to rig the election.” H e went further that some of the party’s leaders had even confessed and photographs of them were taken where they were allegedly caught redhanded with electoral materials. By and large, the poll was an exercise that was largely peaceful, as acreditation exercise started early in most polling units visited without the usual complaints of scarcity or late arrival of electoral materials. Voters too conducted themselves peacefully as they exercised their franchise in IleIfe, Modakeke, and other adjoining communities under the eagle eyes of security agents. At Iremo near ward 3 near Senator Babjide Omoworare’s house in Ile-Ife, voter’s accreditation, which witnessed huge turnout of prospective voters, also started early. It was largely peaceful, even though there were unsavoury reports that some thugs suspected to be loyal to

A clash of ambitions death. I also confirmed from sources closed to the candidate that he was promised financial backing by the late Arisekola-Alao. The late business mogul’s ill-health and death in London frustrated Akinbade’s campaign plans. His inability to attend a debate organised for the candidates also reduced his rating. But, he is a popular and respected politician.

Factors that shaped the election From the people interviewed before,

The Arisekola-Alao factor during and after the Osun poll, these points came out: and Akinbade’s Achilles key •Albert Einstein says, “It is the duty Heels of every citizen according to his best I discovered that Akinbade and the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao were bosom friends until the latter’s

the PDP molested some members of the APC, especially the party agents. While the accreditation was in progress, Aleshinloye Akeem, an agent of APC at unit 17, Oja Tuntun area in Ile-Ife, complained that he was incessantly threatened by PDP thugs who asked him to “cooperate or get killed.” Surprisingly, all this went on while policement attached to the unit feigned ignorance. Omoworare expressed satisfaction about the peaceful nature of the exercise, adding “it is so far so good” as at the time of accredidation. He however cautioned that the unnecessary clampdown and intimdation of top APC chieftains in the state smacked of tilting the the process in favour of the PDP, stressing that any attempt to impose the “federal candidate” on Osun will be resisted by all means possible by the people of Osun. “If imposition happens here, we the leaders will not be able to stop our people from defending their right to choose a leader of their choice,” Omoworare said. Beyond the arrest of APC bigwigs, there were other ugly incidents. At Modakeke, Toyese Ajibade, a former youth chairman in the community, sneaked suspiciously into the polling units at St Stephen’s ward 5. It took the extra vigilance of the locals who suspected that Ajibade, who stormed the venue wearing a mask like security agents, was up to some sinister motive. Although tempers flared, residents explained that they exercised restraint, refusing to mob him so as not to cause a crisis that could vitiate the votes cast. They however trailed

capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs.” And the people of Osun, both young and old, must have taken to this quote when

they came out to vote and defended their votes in the face of high military presence. •APC’s failure in winning Ekiti governorship election prepared the party and its supporters well ahead for the Osun poll. •Aregbesola’s performance in key areas of his party’s manifesto also shaped the election. •APC and Aregbesola’s high politicking: They were ahead of the PDP, the Federal Government and unraveling alleged rigging plans and frauds. The candidate also had a Situation Room that received, processed and tackled issues as they unfolded. •The late Chief Bola Ige’s factor: Alleged assault on Ige by Omisore and his supporters as well as death after was a minus for Omisore in the election.

him to a nearby Top Star hotel in Modakeke where they pounced on him, only for officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) who promptly came to his rescue and took him away, sparking another wave of further suspicion about Ajibade’s motive. Like me, Tunji Oyedeji and Oyeyemi Temitope, who were part of the locals that stopped Ajibade from actualising his motive, felt that the way and manner DSS officials behaved also raised eyebrows. That was not all. Curiously too, soldiers that mounted roadblocks in strategic places in Ile Ife, Odeomun, Modakeke, Osogbo and many other communities in the state suddenly disappeared before 12pm on election day. My findings showed soldiers similarly beat a retreat throughout the state before the end of accreditation exercise. This was unlike in Ondo and Ekiti states where soldiers were on hand even days after the polls. The governorship election has been won and lost, but it is doubtful if appropriate lessons have been learnt. Forget who won and who did not, the result of the poll has clearly shown that ours is a society now more jinxed. As many residents in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ila Orangun and several other places told me, the election was almost decided by the allure of crisp naira notes, instead of allowing it to be a referendum on the performance of Aregbe, as residents fondly call the governor. To vote, scores admitted that they collected N5,000 from Omisore camp along with two bags of rice and semolina. Some said they collected kerosine, though accusing fingers were pointed at other parties as well. For the PDP largesse, all any prospective voter needed to qualify was to show his or her voter’s card, after which the pin number is recorded. That is all. But that was before election took place place. At most of the polling units visited, money was on also ample display as many were induced to vote with N2,000, residents said. Without carrying out the impact of using troops to superintend over elections, President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will not stop sending soldiers to polling states, indirectly giving credit for the peacefullness of the poll to security agents. Whatever any one has to say, soldiers were the ones that made the election peaceful. It was the Osun people that should be given credit for choosing to refuse to be provoked, despite all the harrassment and proocations of security agents that laid siege on the state. While Professor Attahiru Jega-led INEC also deserved commendations for doing a good job, the poll was free, but certainly was not fair, as security agents obviously worked hard in vain to tilt the scale in favour of one candidate – unlike was happened in Ondo and Ekiti. Beyond approriating the credit for peaceful polls, which has become the habit of Jonathan’s Presidency, should we be evaluating the performance of involving soldiers in our elections? . •The failure of religious card and alleged fund management against Aregbesola also shaped the election. The governor and his team came out and defended his fiscal management policy. •It would be difficult for Omisore to contest 2018 governorship poll as Aregbesola is from Osun East Senatorial District just like him. His opponent will use it against him. But he may decide to contest for the Senate.

Challenges

I and a colleague, Seun Adeoye, managed to penetrate the Government House in the dead of the night to monitor events despite high security presence, harping on invitation. Also included in the challenges I witnessed before, during and after the election were: sleeping in un-conducive motel, eating unwholesome foods, managing to move around in the night and monitoring the election on Okada despite heavy security presence.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS Volunteers, others train in Lagos By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Elumelu Foundation donates N100m

Ondo to make cremation law From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Boko Haram’ll end when Fed Govt wants, says Amaechi

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

Labour: nothing to show for 15 years of democracy

•NLC calls for credible polls in 2015 By Toba Agboola

Nigeria deserves good leadership in 2015, says Tambuwal

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Josephine Anenih, others urge Jonathan to run in 2015

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Revolution can bring credible leaders in 2015, says Balarabe Musa From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

Amaechi, Wike disagree on contracts for model schools

Ex-deputy governor to aid elderly

ORMER Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere has promised to institute a welfare scheme for the elderly, if elected governor next year. Ekere, who is one of the leading governorship aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the scheme would care for people aged 65 and above. Addressing a crowd yesterday at Ikot Abasi, he pledged to build on the “world-class infrastructure” put in place by Governor Godswill Akpabio. Ekere said he had an industrialisation blueprint for the state, adding: “We have built infrastructure, now is the time to build our people.” He said he had consulted far and wide on the possibility of running for governor and the outcome was positive. Ekere said he had not started campaigning because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not given the go-ahead and thanked stakeholders of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency for adopting him as their sole candidate. He pledged to do them proud.

R •Ekere From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

The member representing Urue Offong/Oruko Constituency in the House of Assembly, Bassey Etienam, declared his support for Ekere and urged the people to support him. His Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo counterpart, Uduyok Aboh, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Deputy Chairman Johnson Essien Ibok also pledged their support for Ekere. The Chairman, Steering Committee of the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Project (AKCP), Joseph Effiong, said Ekere enjoyed massive support of Akwa Ibom people, urging Ikot Abasi people to remain united in supporting their son.

Gunmen kidnap four in Bayelsa •Maritime workers threaten to go on strike

OUR workers of construction giant Setraco have been kidnapped in the creeks of Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Caleb Agene, Otuke Magic Kingdom, Gabriel Oghene and Godwin Odukpong were working on the multi-million naira Ogbia-Nembe road around 9pm on Saturday when they were abducted by gunmen. The incident occurred a few days after the state government set up an 11-man security task force, headed by a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Ebikabowei Victor-Ben. A security source said: “The dredging workers were reportedly seized and whisked away from their dredging base by armed men, who came in a speedboat.” The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Bayelsa State chapter, has threatened to go on an indefinite strike, if the government fails to protect its members from attacks by pirates. MWUN Chairman Lloyd Sese said: “Insecurity on the waterways has been our

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

problem over the years. Sea piracy has increased this year. The creeks and the rivers have become a no-go area for meaningful businesses. “Unlike the roads that armed robbers will operate under fear that security agencies may catch up with them and run away, pirates rob for many hours unhindered on the waterways. “Our boats are stolen, drivers are killed and women are raped on a daily basis. We are tired. There is no day we are not attacked.” On the task force set up to curb insecurity on the waterways, Sese said: “You are asking people living in Abuja, who built mansions there and know nothing about the waterways, to come and secure the waterways. How can it work? We will withdraw our services to stop wasting the lives of innocent citizens. The former militants were appointed into the task force without maritime union officials. “These are the same people who have boys doing one thing or the other on the waterways and you want their boss to call them to order. It won’t work.”

‘East-West road ready by Dec.’

HE East-West Road will be ready by December, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Dr. Steve Oru said at the weekend. Speaking during a twoday inspection tour of the road, Oru said some other projects had been suspended to meet up with the December deadline. The minister also inspected work at the skill acquisition centres in Otuoke, Bayelsa State and Iwuoachang, Akwa-Ibom State. He said: “The road would

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

be completed by December. Some sections of the road have been completed and are due for handing over by the contractors.” Oru said the Federal Government was committed to developing the Niger Delta and sought the cooperation of stakeholders in curbing the kidnapping of contractors. He lauded the quality of ongoing work on the Patani Bridge and urged the contractor to ensure that the bridge is ready by December.

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike have disagreed on the award of contracts for model schools and roads. During a tour of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area at the weekend, Amaechi accused Wike, his former chief of staff, of diverting over N2 billion meant for the building of 14 model primary schools in the area. He also accused Wike of depriving Rivers people of good governance. Amaechi said: “What I did when I assumed office as governor in 2007 was think of how to put food on the table of our people as an alternative to militancy. I built economic infrastructure and you can see it yourselves. In every model school we built, we employed 50 persons and we have built about 500 model primary schools. For every health centre we built, we employed a minimum of 50 persons and we have built 140 model primary health centres. When we came, hospitals had only 200 doctors. We employed 200 more to make it 400. We knew 400 will not be enough and we employed 200 more to make it 600 doctors. With these plans, we were able to reduce poverty and unemployment.” The governor, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said he would soon “expose Wike for who he is”. In a telephone interview yesterday, the Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha, told reporters that Wike was desper-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ate to be Rivers’ governor in 2015. Okocha said: “I am surprised that Wike is displaying ignorance. He ought to know that Amaechi does not award contracts. The governor is the chairman of the State Executive Council. Contracts of up to N50 million are presented at SEC meetings and the contractors would be invited to defend the contract, while the line commissioner would liaise with the contractor. “Wike is concocting lies to disparage Amaechi. Wike is unnecessarily ambitious. He is a drowning man. He is desperate to be Rivers governor next year. Wike is showing Nigerians who he is. He cannot be trusted. He is so unreliable and can betray anybody. Wike has demonstrated to Rivers people that they should not allow him to take them to the dark ages. “The junior minister of education is putting touts and attack-dogs together in his Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) to unleash mayhem on peace-loving Rivers people, as witnessed in Rumueprikom and Rumuigbo (Obio/Akpor LGA) on Wednesday. Wike’s quest for power is driving him mad. “Wike had a terrible background and was very disrespectful of elders while growing up, such that his family members did not give him a plot of land because he was the black sheep of the family. You know what land means in Ikwerreland. Wike went to the Nigerian Law School in 1996

and finished in 1997. He joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 and became the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in 1999. “He has never practised as a lawyer. Let him tell Nigerians where he has worked, outside politics. Everything Wike has today he stole from the government. The then Environment Commissioner, Okey Chinda, is now working with Wike. Let Chinda explain what he did with the funds for the landscaping of Port Harcourt.” Okocha alleged that Wike allegedly “cornered” funds meant for many model schools and roads through his cronies and companies. He urged the people not to take the minister seriously, describing him as “a jester, who is seeking attention”. Wike denied the allegations and accused Amaechi of diverting over N3 billion meant for the landscaping of Port Harcourt “through his friends in Ghana”. While hosting people from Evo Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Council, in Port Harcourt, Wike said he had nothing to do with the alleged N2 billion school scam and the N7.5 billion for the construction of the 1,000-bed Adolphus KaribiWhyte Specialist Hospital at the Greater Port Harcourt City. He said: “Amaechi has never given me any money to build a school. Let him mention those schools and communities. Assuming he gave me 14 schools, am I the commissioner for Education? If he

gave me the contract and the job was not done, why didn’t he arrest me? If he gave me the job and I refused to do it, why did he recommend me to be appointed as a minister? “Amaechi should account for the N7.5 billion ($50 million) contract for the construction of the 1,000-bed Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital. The $50 million was released to the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, without due approval. I wonder why the hospital has not been built, despite demolishing the old one that was in good use. Where is that money and where is the 1,000-bed hospital? “In Amaechi’s government, a Ghanaian contractor was hired for the landscaping of Port Harcourt City for about N3 billion, which was abandoned and the contractor fled. On the fumigation of Port Harcourt City against mosquitoes, over N3 billion was paid to Cuban contractors but the job was not done and the money is yet to be recovered. Are you not seeing mosquitoes where you live?” On his governorship ambition, the minister said nobody could intimidate him, adding that the people would hear from him soon. The face-off between Amaechi and Wike (both Ikwerre) was as a result of the governor’s statement that no Ikwerre man would succeed him. He said the position should go to another senatorial district/ethnic group, but Wike insists he is qualified to be the next governor.

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (right) receiving a copy of SOJA Magazine from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah at the Governor’s office...at the weekend.

DSS gets knocks for linking APC with bomb blasts

HE Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged (CENTREP) has condemned comments by the spokesperson of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, linking the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Boko Haram. Mrs. Ogar was quoted as saying: “When the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wins an election, the nation records bomb blasts, but when the APC wins an election, there is

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

no bomb blast.” The National Coordinator of the Southsouth group, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, described Mrs. Ogar’s statement as “irresponsible, reprehensible, reckless and unbecoming of a senior security operative”. He said it was unfortunate that a senior security operative could make such allegation without substantiating it.

Ikimi said: “The comment of the DSS spokesperson was unprofessional and portrayed the DSS as an organisation working for the ruling party alone and not Nigeria as a country. What a shame. “In the light of the foregoing, we urge security agencies to insulate themselves, henceforth, from politics to effectively defend our fledgling democracy from political hawks and buccaneers parading our polity.”

The group dismissed Mrs Ogar’s claim that DSS officials declined N14 million bribe offered to them by politicians in Osun State, describing it as “a mere publicity stunt lacking evidence”. Ikimi said: “Why were the persons involved not arrested and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution?” He advised Mrs. Ogar to stay away from politics and focus on her job.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS Waiver request for Ribadu splits PDP

Council seeks N160b annually Continued from page 4

Transportation Agreements. The council sought a national policy on securing gas oil infrastructure , payment of outstanding gas debt and passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The Managing Director of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) , Neil Croucher, at the weekend said that the firm will inject about $200 million in five years to boost power supply and distribution in its coverage area, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states. According to him, no fewer than 20 injection substations would soon be inaugurated by his company and these would deal with the pockets of low voltage being experienced in some areas. The company in a statement yesterday said Croucher appealed for patience by all customers of the company, saying that due to the decrepit equipment that the AEDC inherited, it would take huge investments, which his firm is committed to, and relatively long period before significant improvement in power supply would be achieved. He spoke when the FCT chapter chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Dr. Wasilat Shittu, led

a team of officials of the group to meet with executive members of the AEDC in Abuja. The AEDC and MAN agreed to collaborate towards improving power supply to the various industrial sites in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond. According to Shittu, many industrialists in Abuja and environ had refused to connect to the national power grid to avoid the damage that frequent interruptions in power supply could cause to their equipment. She said, however, that with the privatisation of the power sector and the “noticeable improvement” in electricity supply in the territory, MAN was encouraged to visit the AEDC to discuss the possibility of having “stable and quality” supply of power to their industrial sites. “We appreciate that it’s no longer business as usual. I was a civil servant and so when I talk about business as usual I really know what it means. However, we need assurance of greater improvement in supply so that more of our members would connect to the national grid”, she said. Croucher listed numerous high impact projects that the utility firm was executing to ensure a boost for power supply.

Our battle against Ebola outbreak Continued from page 4

the Ebola virus is big but our resolve to contain and defeat it is bigger. That resolve is demonstrated by the courage shown by the first set of health workers at state and federal levels who stood up to be counted, and the leadership of the state and federal ministries of Health with the support of our international partners. “In spite of fear, they stood up to be counted at a time of grave danger. We should salute their courage, professionalism, patriotism and humanitarian disposition. They are the heroes and heroines that we have looked for a long time. I cannot thank them enough. “While we are doing everything to assure their safety and to give them confidence to proceed, I want to passionately appeal that we must not do anything to distract them or demotivate them.” The governor urged the people to report suspected cases around them as well as stop unhygienic practices, such as defecating or urinating in public, because those are body fluids and waste through which the virus is known to thrive. Fashola expressed appreciation to those who are seeking to raise funds for the current battle against the virus but pointed out that the State “is not yet at the fund-raising stage and cannot foresee that eventually”. “For now, the State has enough resources to fund everything that is needed. This is what your taxes can do in emergencies. Our House of Assembly has thankfully approved a request for any needed expenditure”, the Governor said adding that the Federal Government has shown “the appropriate level of concern about the national and global risk this poses and I am sure they will provide funds should we be unable to do so if we ask for it”. He said the combined team of State and Federal personnel and the international partners are also sharing information with the public and the Federal Government about the sta-

tus of the patients and contacts in a transparent way adding, “We should all please listen to them. They are the ones who have the facts”.

Continued from page 4

A source in Adamawa PDP said: “We got a verbal message from the National Secretariat of PDP to make a formal request for a waiver for Ribadu but we said we cannot recommend. We can only submit list of members seeking waiver. “We have written the National Secretariat of PDP to make its request formal instead of verbal in order to put the precedent that they are trying to lay in a good perspective for posterity. “There are conditions for waiver which Ribadu is yet to meet. If we are truly a democratic party, we must abide by the party’s constitution. It appears some forces in the Presidency have decided to override due process. Even at that, there must be some elements of justice. “We have also maintained that the case for a waiver cannot be limited to Ribadu alone, if we want to be fair to all. The same gesture ought to be extended to Marwa and Gundiri in order to be fair and just to all.” Ribadu has written a letter of waiver to the PDP National Chairman. In an August 16 letter, Ribadu said his application would enable him to contest for elective office. The letter reads: “I wish to humbly write to apply for a clearance/ waiver to enable me aspire for position on the platform of this great party. “As a fresher in the party, I have duly obtained my membership, paid required dues. I hereby tender photocopies, including my voter’s card for your nec-

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST TEACHING MINISTRY This to notify the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) Abuja, for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: · Apostle (Dr.) Mesembe Anembe Okon · Evang. (Dr.) Okon E. Bassey · Pst. U.S. Mkpong · Deacon Effanga E. Henshaw · Deaconess Orokanwan Mesembe Anembe · Deaconess Nkoyo Asuquo · Evang. Solomon Ebong · Evang. Emmanuel Okon Umo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES · To save souls and prepare them to the kingdom of God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.) plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Apostle (Dr.) Mesembe Anembe Okon 5, Orok Orok Street, Calabar, Cross River State

essary action.” In a separate letter of August 1, Ribadu applied to join the PDP. The letter reads:” I wish to humbly apply for membership of this great party- Peoples Democratic Party. I am from Bako Ward and a registered voter in this Ward. “I shall adhere to the party’s constitution, promptly pay my fees and actively participate in party activities. I shall also take all necessary steps to propagate and execute the aims and objectives of the great party, PDP. I hope my application will be accepted.” He was subsequently given registration number 1933795. Already, members of the NWC are divided over the waiver requested. A source said: “So far, the National Chairman of PDP has not tabled any request before the NWC for waiver for Ribadu or any aspirant in Adamawa State. He has also not informed any member of the committee. “Ideally, we ought to grant Ribadu a waiver before he can obtain the party’s governorship nomination form. “Therefore, the issue of waiver is still a one-man business which is known to only Mu’azu.” Responding to a question, the source added: “Maybe Muazu may bring his proposal for this waiver on Monday to the NWC. “We will consider any request on merit. We are determined to reclaim Adamawa State; we will not fritter away this opportunity at all. “I hope we will not be repeating the same mistake in Osun State where the party’s governorship candidate was already pre-determined. “Some of us in the NWC are worried because this waiver

syndrome may becloud our commitment to free and fair primaries for the 2015 polls.” As at press time, it was learnt that there had been pressure on the presidency by some influential Nigerians and businessmen to concede the ticket to Ribadu. Another source added: “The party has a major challenge at hand on this waiver palaver.” Speaking with our correspondent at about 9pm yesterday, the State PDP Secretary, Mr. A.T. Shehu said: “We got a directive from the National Secretariat to send a list of aspirants who have applied for waiver. We have forwarded the name of three of the aspirants to the National Secretariat. They are Ribadu, Marwa, and Gundiri. “Section 8 subsection (a and b) of the PDP Constitution as amended does not empower a state chapter to grant waiver, it is the prerogative of the National Secretariat. There is even no provision for us to recommend or reject request for waiver. On the membership of Ribadu, he added: “In fact, the PDP door is open to all because politics is a game of number. But PDP is governed by law and constitution which anyone coming in must abide by.” Speaking with Premium Times in a telephone interview yesterday, APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said he was not disappointed by Mr. Ribadu’s action, but that it merely confirmed the level to which the Nigerian society had degenerated. “It makes me sad because it is a very terrible thing. It is a confirmation of the level to which our society has degenerated. “For a man of that calibre to fall into that trap because of governorship position is disappointing. There is no problem; we wish him luck.”

Asked why it was disappointing, the APC national chairman said: “Don’t you see what this represents – that a man of his calibre will fall for the temptation? “I hope you understand the point I am making. I am not sad because of the APC, but because it reflects on the condition of the Nigerian elite and the kind of things they fall for. “For the APC, there is no problem. People go, people come, but for this nation, it is a very sad commentary. It makes you unhappy.” On whether the APC leadership made any effort to dissuade Ribadu from leaving the party, Oyegun merely said, “People spoke with him,” adding “I don’t want to say more than that.” He however said, “The time has come when we should have politicians of principle. We cannot continue like this. “The society is sick. We shouldn’t encourage things like this. It indicates democracy is lacking in that party. “For a man of his calibre to say the things he has said on record and still did this, is disappointing. If he had done this six months ago, that would have been understandable. But just because of nomination, you fell for it, even if it is the main election. (Buba) Marwa is there; the Speaker is there. “This is rock bottom. Haba wetin! The disconnection is too direct.” The APC Adamawa chapter said Ribadu’s defection would not affect the fortunes of the party. The state secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Bakari, said: “The APC in Adamawa is healthy and vibrant; what we are working on now is to have a formidable candidate for the Oct. 11 by-election to recover our mandate.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Murder suspect released from prison by error

A R T Y N A S Kupstysj was handed his belongings and escorted out despite telling staff he was due in court. An inquiry is under way after a man awaiting trial for murder was released from jail by mistake, despite protesting to prison officers that he was supposed to be on his way to court. Martynas Kupstysj, 25, was waiting in line at Lincoln prison when prison staff handed over his belongings and informed him he was a free man. Despite telling them that he was due in court with other inmates he was escorted outside and told he could leave. A confused Mr Kupstysj spent the next few hours wandering around Lincoln city

centre while prison officers who realised their mistake launched a frantic search for him. Prison staff eventually spotted the inmate waiting at a bus stop outside the prison and he was taken back into custody. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed the prisoner had been freed by mistake. “A prisoner from Lincoln was released in error on 8 August. The police were notified immediately and he was arrested within hours. An investigation by a senior governor has been launched,” she said. “We take public protection extremely seriously and this type of incident is a very rare but regrettable occurrence.” HMP Lincoln governor Pe-

ter Wright told the Lincolnshire Echo the mix-up was “a very grave matter”. “An independent investigation has been launched by the prison service,” he said. “This should not happen. I’ve made dramatic changes already. It was a fundamental breach of what we are here to do.” Lithuanian Mr Kupstysj is charged, along with his brother-in-law Andrus Giedraitis, with the murder of 24-year-old Latvian Ivans Zdanovics, whose body was found following a fire at his Lincolnshire home in January. Mr Kupstysj’s wife Sandra Giedraityte, 28, is charged with perverting the course of justice. The men will now face a retrial early next year.

Kurdish forces fight to retake Mosul Dam

ESHMERGA fighters say they have seized the east of the dam as Yazidis begin training to avenge the “massacre” of their families. Kurdish forces have retaken parts of Iraq’s Mosul Dam from Islamic State (IS) fighters, according to a security official. General Tawfik Desty said that Kurdish Peshmerga forces backed by Iraqi and US warplanes launched the operation to retake the dam on Sunday morning after it was seized by IS fighters ten days ago. Gen Desty said his forces were now in control of the eastern side of the dam and that fighting was continuing. The dam provides electricity to much of the region and is crucial to irrigation across vast areas of farming. Another Kurdish com-

mander, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Kurdish advance was being hindered by roadside bombs planted by retreating Islamic State fighters. “They are advancing slowly. The obstacles are the roadside bombs. It’s a Daash tactic,” he said, referring to the Islamic State by an Arabic acronym. “They have reached inside the dam. There is no fighting, just the (roadside) bombs, and the abandoned buildings are all rigged with explosives.” Meanwhile, a group of Peshmerga told Sky News’ special correspondent Alex Crawford that they need advanced military hardware with which to fight, but that they are still waiting for arms to arrive from abroad, despite promises from EU foreign ministers.

PM warns of terror state on Europe’s doorstep

AVID Cameron says a “firm security response” is needed In Iraq as senior clergy criticise the Government’s “incoherent” policy. David Cameron has warned that if the Islamic State’s onslaught continues Europe will be facing a “poisonous” terrorist state on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Prime Minister said urgent action needs to be taken to defeat the extremist group, which has created an expanding caliphate in the heart of Iraq and parts of Syria. In a letter in the Sunday Telegraph, he said a “firm security response” is needed and Islamic State (IS) fighters would not be removed by airstrikes alone.

He wrote: “Because if we do not act to stem the onslaught of this exceptionally dangerous terrorist movement, it will only grow stronger until it can target us on the streets of Britain. “We already know that it has the murderous intent. Mr Cameron said the West’s first priority was to deal with the “acute humanitarian crisis” caused by people fleeing forces from IS, also known as Islamic State In Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He praised Britons for risking their lives to deliver 80 tons of supplies to the Yazidis trapped in the blistering heat on Mount Sinjar. “But a humanitarian response alone is not enough. We also need a broader political, diplomatic and security response,” he wrote.

‘Tilbury container stowaways included 13 children’

HIRTEEN children aged between one and 12 were among 35 Afghan Sikh immigrants found in a shipping container at Tilbury Docks, Essex Police has said. The group arrived on Saturday on a ship from Belgium and were said by police to be victims of “people trafficking”. One man was found dead and the others were taken to hospital to be treated for severe dehydration and hypothermia. The 30 people released to police include nine men and eight women aged between 18 and 72. They have been brought to a makeshift reception centre set up inside the terminal buildings at Tilbury Docks.

The US began airstrikes against IS forces a week ago after the Islamist group swept across a large part of northern and central Iraq, seizing Mosul and threatening Baghdad and Irbil. Warplanes hit targets near Irbil after hundreds of Yazidi men in the north were said to have been “massacred”. Meanwhile, displaced Yazidis who fled to Syria have taken up military training and are “seeking revenge” from IS fighters who pushed them out of their homes and killed their families. Sheikh Khalah Sheikh Alyas, head of a Yazida training camp in Qamishli, Syria said: “The insurgents of the Islamic State killed our young people and took our women and girls and then displaced us, therefore we came here.

Thousands protest ‘occupy’ movement in Hong Kong

ENS of thousands of people marched under a blistering sun in Hong Kong on Sunday to express their opposition to a pro-democracy movement that has threatened to bring Asia’s biggest financial center to a standstill if the government does not open up the nomination process for electing the city’s top leader. Protesters, many waving Chinese flags, streamed into Victoria Park in the midafternoon before the march, and the contrast with a rally held July 1 by pro-democracy organizers was stark. Most of the participants in Sunday’s rally were organized into groups corresponding to Chinese hometowns, schools or, in some cases, employers, easily identifiable with their matching Tshirts and hats. Middleaged and elderly people dominated Sunday’s march, while young people dominated last month’s march. In speech, they often employed the political lexicon of China’s ruling Communist Party.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

NEWS

Moses : leaving Chelsea was difficult

IGERIA international winger, Victor Moses has revealed that it was difficult making the decision to leave Chelsea and join Stoke City on loan, according to supersport.com Moses sealed a season-long loan switch to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday and promptly took to Twitter to explain his contrasting emotions. The 23-year-old stated that leaving Stamford Bridge was not a decision that came easy but revealed his eagerness to work with the Stoke City trainer, Mark Hughes whom he described as "progressive."

FIFA U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

W Falconets crush New Zealand 4-1 •Qualify for semi final T From Ejiro Femi-Babafemi, Canada

side continued to pile on the pressure on their less fancied New Zealand opponents which eventually paid off in the 12th minute when Oshoala scored the second goal. The first half ended with Nigeria still leading 2-0 and in the second half the women from Oceania came all out with the hope of reducing the defi-

cit and possibly getting the much needed equaliser, but they met stiff resistance from a well organised Falconets defence line. Despite New Zealand taking firm control of the midfield, it was Oshoala who almost grabbed a hat-trick in the 72nd minute but her goal was ruled out for offside by the referee. The woes of New Zealand were further compounded by Uchechi Sunday who grabbed

"Hi everyone. I'm delighted to have joined Stoke City on loan. "It was hard to leave Chelsea again but working with a progressive manager like Mark Hughes at Stoke is the perfect opportunity for me. Thanks for all of your support," he tweeted via @VictorMoses.

Serena Williams, Federer conquer Cincinnati

•Asisat Oshoala (C) of Nigeria celebrates her team's second goal with team mates Ugo Njoku (R) and Halimatu Ayinde

HE Falconets of Nigeria last night qualified for the semi final of the ongoing FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup in Canada after an impressive 4-1 victory over New Zealand. Playing at the 7,862 capacity Moncton Stadium, it was the Nigerian women who took an early lead in the first minute of yesterday's quarter final encounter through Asisat Oshoala to underline their determination to get into the final eight. The coach Peter Dedevbo-led

•Moses

the third goal for Nigeria in the 84th minute barely a few seconds after she was introduced into the game by coach Dedevbo. Emma Rolston eventually got a consolation goal for New Zealand before Sunday made a superb solo effort from the left to net the fourth goal for Nigeria and also grab a brace. With yesterday's victory, Nigeria thus qualified for the semi final for the third time in a row in previous editions of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

ORLD No 1 Serena Williams beat Ana Ivanovic in straight sets on Sunday to secure her first ever Western and Southern Open title. Despite her long list of achievements, the title in Cincinnati has long evaded the American, but she was finally able to cross it off the list on her sixth attempt with a 6-4 61 victory. "It's just amazing to finally win here. The fans were amazing and it's so wonderful to be here," Williams told the WTA Tour website. Williams has now won 62 WTA titles and five in 2014. Former world number one Roger Federer also won the

Cincinnati Masters after beating David Ferrer 6-3 1-6 6-2 in yesterday evening's final, sealing the 80th title of the career. The win is Federer's first in a Masters event for two years.

•Serena

•Photo: Getty Images

60TH BIRTHDAY OF THE WIFE OF RENOWNED SCHOLAR PROF ADEBAYO WILLIAMS, BOLA, IN LAGOS

•From left: Mrs Idowu Oyebode; Prof Adebayo Williams; his wife and celebrator Bola and Pastor Gbenga Oyebode

•Otunba Pamela Ogunnusi (left) and Yeye Toyin Fajobi

•Chief Eric Teniola

•Mr Olatunde Bello (left) and Prince Lowo Adedeji

•From left: Barrister Akin Ige; Mr Kayode Soyombo and Otunba Tunde Onakoya PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014

62 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

162ND KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

he Kano State Government acknowledged and celebrated yesterday Tuesday 12 th August, 2014 (18th Shawwal, 1435 AH) as the international day for the Youth declared by the United Nations (UN) to be observed by all nations annually. The main theme for this year’s celebration was based on rehabilitation of the mentally deranged and socially degenerated among the teeming youth due to drug abuse and other vices. The essence was to Empower them with the acquisition of viable/ employment skills for proper reintegration into the normal society. However, it is important to note that, the incumbent second tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE resolved to transform the pathetic situation of the potentially restive large number of unskilled/ unemployed youths. Rehabilitation, reorientation and empowerment were the cardinal approaches designed and implemented in the endeavor. Practical efforts were put at the right place from inception of this administration whereby twenty two (24) skills acquisition institutes were established from which an impressive number of trainees already graduated, were empowered with donation of take-off packages (in cash or in kind) to commence their various acquired trades/skills.The administration of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso indeed foresaw this and took a proactive measures among which was the establishment of Kiru reformatory institute and Corporate Security Institute (CSI) Gabasawa. These two institutes have graduated over 2500 which have been provided with direct Government and private sector employment.

Pursuant to the above policy. The Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and sixty second (162 nd) sitting today Wednesday 13th August, 2014 (18 th Shawwal, 1435 AH) under the chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Eighteen (18) MDAs submitted fifty one (51) memoranda for deliberationsof which thirty one (31) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Five Hundred and Fifty Million, Three Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, Ninety Three Naira, Twelve Kobo (N550,331,093.12) covering seventeen (17) projects while the remaining fourteen(14) were on policy issues. 1.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/ HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Two (2) memoranda tabled for deliberation by Council from this Office were approved for execution as follows; a) Presentation on the need and request for release of funds for the 2014 (1435 AH) Hajj operation. This request was presented to council for consideration by the Deputy Governor on behalf of the Kano state Pilgrims’ Welfare Board. Council considered the details presented and mandated the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments tohandle the matter administratively. b) Presentation of proposal and request for funds for empowerment and resettlement/relocation of street Hawkers in the eight(8) Metropolitan LGCAS;The proposal was presented earlier for consideration by council during its sitting of 4th August, 2014. Council directed for the realignment of some portions of its contents and resubmission for possible consideration. Complying with the directive, the Special Adviser (Metropolitan Affairs) presented a more compressive submission for consideration. A list of 952 street Hawkers was presented to council which considered and approved the release of the sum of N47,542,600.00 to enable their empowerment and resettlement away from the streets of Kano Metropolis. The money is to be expended as follows;i. Empowerment assistance to 952 hawkers at 30,000 = N28,560,000.00 ii. Cost of training by ITF = 16,625,000.00 iii. Purchase primary material/stationary, fueling of vehicle, etc = N500,000.00 iv. Training outfit = N570,000.00 v. Outfit production = N285,000.00 vi. 952 T- shirts = N529,000.00 vii. Facing cap/explanation note = N472,600.00 Total = N47,642,600.00 Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. 2.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT The Secretary to the state Government submitted Eleven (11) memoranda for consideration by Council on behalf of the Chairman and some MDAs of which six (6) were approved for execution as follows; a) Notification on expression of interest to purchase 300 housing units at Amana City;This notification was presented to Council for consideration by the Secretary to the state Government on behalf of the Kano State Investment and properties Ltd. (KSIP). An indigenous Company in partnership with Chinese businessmen indicated interest to purchase 300 housing units at Amana City in order to establish “Kano China Town”. Council was requested for permission to go ahead and open discussions with the prospective buyers after which details will be submitted on the request for approval to go ahead with the sale or not. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. b) Request for funds to enable payment of two(2) months (June – July 2014) sitting allowances to 4-members of Kano North/South terminus co-ordination and development Committee;The Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request

from the stated committee and presented it to Council for consideration. The details were summarized and presented along with the financial implications to the tune of N280,000.00. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum N280,000.00 to the Secretary to the State Government for disbursement to the 4 –member committee on Kano North/south Terminus co-ordination and development as their sitting allowance for two (2) months (June and July 2014). c) Presentation of the list of 68 association Leaders of 19 Registered Fishermen co-operative cluster groups that participated in the training at Magaga Fishermen Skill Acqusition Center;The senior special assistant fisheries submitted the list of the Leaders of nineteen (19) fishermen cluster groups that participated in the training at Magaga Fishermen skill acquisition center and qualified for the provision of the motorized fishing boats earmarked for them to ensure full implementation of the co- management strategy in the twelve (12) water bodies spread across eighteen (18) LGCAs of Kano state. Details were presented for consideration by Council sequel to the request for funds for the procurement of post training equipment in their respect. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved distributing of the procured equipment to the beneficiaries at a ceremony to be conducted soon. d) Request for funds to enable take-off of the Kwankwasiyya meat carriers Empowerment scheme ;The Secretary to the State Government substantiated to Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the Special Adviser Economic matters effected the delivery of 100 tricycles to support and empower the meat Haulers Association in preparation for the take-off of the meat carriers Empowerment scheme. Six (6) items requested for the take-off of the programme were summarized and presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implication to the tune of the recommended sum of N2,000,000.00 which was requested for release by Council. A Committee was set-up for the screening of the beneficiaries. Council considered the details presented and approved as recommended. e) Request for provision of monthly overhead, provision of diesel (AGO) and deployment of security personnel to the Kano State Institute of Horticulture and forestry (KIHORT);This request was submitted by the Deputy Director KIHORT but was endorsed and presented to Council for consideration by the Secretary to the State Government. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as follows;i. Request of N200,000.00 monthly as overhead to the KIHORT ii. The Senior Special Assistant corporate security institute to post twelve (12) corporate security Guards to the KIHORT f) Request for funds to ensure timely registration of 30 relocated MBBS/pharmacy Kano state indigenous students sponsored for studies at international university of Africa, Sudan;A two (2) member committee visited the international university of Africa Sudan to assess the academic performance of the 30 MBBS/ Pharmacy Kano State indigenous students. sponsored for studies. With a view to enhance their academic capacity/ performance. Accordingly Council considered and approved for the release of the sum of $198,000.00 for the relocation of the 30No. MBBS/Pharmacy students to El-Razi Medical College. 3. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Presentation of the Draft Human Resource Management Policy in collaboration with Sparc-DFID;The Head of Civil Service notified Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the ongoing public service reform programme undertaken in collaboration with Sparc – DFID. The programme entails the implementation of a Human Resource Management policy aimed at providing comprehensive support for managing the human resource potentials of the state civil service in line with international standards. Details were presented for consideration along with emphases that some states (such as Lagos) have already adopted the policy. Furthermore, the positive impact recorded by the states that adopted the policy prompted the kano state Head of Civil Service to recommended for the granting of approval by the Kano State Executive Council for the adoption of the Human Resource Policy for use in the state Civil Service. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. a) Request for funds to enable conduct of bilateral budget discussion for the 2015 personal emolument (18 th 29 th August,2014); Adequate number of reasons that prompted the submission of this request for consideration were forwarded to Council along with the Twelve (12) items required for the exercise estimated to cost the sum of N1,356,700.00 which was requested for release to enable conduct of the exercise. Council appraised the request and approved for release of the sum of N1,000,000.00 to the Office of the Head of Civil Service for the commitments. 4. MINISTRY OF HEALTH a) Presentation on the need and request for funds for the procurement of medical equipment/furniture for the primary Health center at the School of Health Technology Bebeji;The Ministry of Health reported to Council, through contents this memorandum that, construction works at the newly established School of Health Technology Bebeji are at 95% completion stage. Nevertheless, the submission of the request was instigated so as to facilitate successful accreditation of the new School. Details on the requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implications to the tune of N28,675,413.99. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N28,675,413.99 to enable the execution of the project on contractual

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso arrangement to be supervised by the Ministry of Health. b) Presentation on the need and request for funds for the supply of five hundred 500 two(2) - seater (desk/chairs) to the newly constructed classrooms at School of Health Technology, Kano;Council was informed of the approval granted to Women for Health (W4H) a non-Government Organization (NGO) to execute various projects/programmes in the State owned training institutions to facilitate their accreditation requirements. The Ministry of Health notified Council that, the Women for Health (W4H) completed the construction of four (4) classrooms at the School of Health Technology, Kano. Details on the requirements for furnishing the classrooms was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N9,493,575.00. Council appreciated the presentation and approved the release of the sum of N9,493,575.00 to enable the execution of the project on contractual arrangement under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. 5. MINISTRY Of EDUCATION a) Presentation on request for waiver of Terminal Tax collected from Lebanon School that operates as a voluntary school in Kano State;The Ministry of Education submitted this request on behalf of the management at the Lebanon School that operates as a voluntary School in Kano. State. The genesis and reasons for the request were forwarded to Council for consideration along with the recommendation that, a waiver or exemption from paying the mandatory Terminal Tax Collected from privately owned schools that operate in Kano State should be granted to Lebanon school. Council acknowledged the presentation and directed that, the Lebanon School should continue to pay the Terminal Tax accordingly. b.)Request for funds to enable execution of the 2nd phase of the project on the conversion of former Magwan Water Restaurant to Fist Lady’s College, Magwan Council was informed that, the conversion project is already at 90% completion stage executed with the requested/approved sum of N601,110,806.03 earmarked for the purpose. The first intakes of two hundred (200) students were admitted in the 2012/2013 on transit at the former Mariri rehabilitation Home. The approved permanent site of the school at former Magwan Water Restaurant when fully converted cannot cater for more than the current number of students especially when the 2014/ 2015 academic session commences by September, 2014 when fresh intakes are expected and classrooms required to accommodate them. To ensure the school is fully functional by September, 2014 and admit new intakes, the sixteen (16) requirements estimated to cost the sum of N210,108,702.55. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N210,108,702.55 to enable execution of the phase 2 of the conversion project on contractual arrangement to be supervised by the Ministry of Education. C,) Request for funds to enable conversion of the premises of the Kano State Water Board Kofar Nassarawa into Government Girls’ Secondary School;The ministry of Education submitted this request for consideration to convert unused/underutilized Government owned buildings/facilitaties to viable Schools across the State. The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N66,943,413.68 if the project is executed on contractual arrangement for which a reputable contractor was identified. Council considered and approved as requested, c) Request for funds to enable reconstruction of the collapsed perimeter wall fence, renovate offices and warehouse at the Ministry of Education maintenance yard on Sani Marshal (club) Road;The maintenance yard of the Ministry of Education was presented to Council as an important segment of the Ministry and calls for attention which prompted submission of the above request. Details on the five (5) items/scope of works required were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N3,990,307.43. Council considered and approved for the release of the stated sum for the execution of the project on contractual arrangement to be supervised by the Ministry of Education. d) Presentation of report and recommendation on Darul Sahaba School, Kundila;Darul Sahaba School, Kundila was introduced to Council, through contents of this memorandum, as a typical voluntary School with the following ramifications. i. That the School belong to the Community not any individual. ii. The School is run as voluntary/community School under a Board of directors as the School was constructed using funds from the state Government (over 70%) and philanthropists. In this regard, Council was informed that conflicts ensued among the management of the school, the members of the Board of Directors, the Imam of the Mosque and the Kundila community. Attempts to resolve the problem proved abortive which compelled closure of the School to avoid unforeseen

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014 developments. It is almost a year now and the students have relocated to other Schools in the vicinity. In order to resolve the conflict the Ministry of Education forwarded the following recommendations to Council for consideration and approval. i. Takeover of the school by Kano State Ministry of Education for it to be run as a public school. ii. Reopening of Darul Sahaba School, Kundila for the 2014/2015 academic session iii. Admission of fresh students into JIS and SIS as from September,2014. Accordingly, Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the execution of recommendations I – III above. e) Request for funds and permission to send twenty eight (28) students/teachers of the Chinese Language with one(1) instructor for two(2) months cultural trip to china(25th August to 25 th October,3014);The foresight of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in cognizance of the current intentional economic status of China prompted the present administration in Kano State to approve the conduct of intensive course in leaning the Chinese Language for which thirty (30) secondary school teachers were selected with twenty eight (28) on full time while the remaining two (2) are on part time. The 28 on full time have successfully completed the course and recommended for the earmarked cultural trip to China so as to enhance their Understanding of the Chinese language and Culture. On their return, they are expected to pioneer teachers in the Chinese college proposed for establishment in Kano State. Details were presented for consideration along with the following four (4) prayers i. Approval to be granted for undertaking the two (2) months cultural trip to china by the 28 students/teachers and their one instructor. ii. The release of N650,000.00 to obtain visa in respect of the 28 students/teachers iii. The release of $139,760.00 for the 28 students/teachers and one (1) instructor to undertake the two (2) months cultural trip to China. iv. Mandate the Secretary to the State Government to process issuance of return tickets for the 28 students/ teachers for the trip to china Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved the execution of the four(4) prayers above. 6.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Presentation of progress report on some ongoing construction projects on various roads, bridges and drainage;The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted a summarized version of the progress report of some projects under the Ministry. Viz;i. Murtala Muhd Way Flyover general percentage progress 24% ii. Two (2)Flyover Bridge at K/Nassarawa general percentage =90% completion stage. iii. Sport complex at former Nama site general percentage = 84.4% completion stage. iv. Dualization of Sani Abacha youth center – Madobi Bridge Road percentage progress 55% completion stage. v. Covered sewage Conduit/Road over Jakara – kwarin Gogau Rever- general percentage progress 5.6% vi. Madobi – Guringawa Bypass Road general percentage progress = 96% completion stage. vii. Karaye – Rogo – Makarfi Road. • i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi.

Ward Drainage programme at Kano Metropolis - Eleven (11) locations were highlighted summarized and presented for perusal by Council. Thus;Kafin kalwa – Gidan Shatima percentage progress = 96% completion stage. Gabari – lungun yan Alewa overall progress achieved at seven (7) locations 92% completion stage. Lungun yan Alewa – kwasuwar Kurmi percentage progress = 97% completion stage. Karofin Zage – Haure -percentage progress = 55%completion stage. Titin Dukawa – Yan Awaki percentage progress =72 % completion stage. Gidan Sani Hanga Chiromawa percentage progress = 77% completion stage. Daga Tanki – Gidan Musa Guza – Bakin Kasuwa percentage progress = 78% completion stage. Majema - Kofar Wanbai Aminu Kano Islamiyya percentage progress = 97% completion stage. Tudun Nufawa Kamfa overall progress = 100% completed. Kwankwaso Township Drainage overall progress = 69% completion stage. Tarauni Circular Ring Drainage percentage progress = 20%

Details of progress report/photographs for each project were presented to Council for perusal. Council acknowledged the presentation appreciation. 7. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING a) Request for funds to enable payment of compensation for seven (7) properties affected by the construction of Custom Training School Link Road to Northwest University, Kano;Custom Training School Link road to Northwest University was identified for construction in line with the policy of the present administration to provide qualitative infrastructure for use by the citizenry in the State. As the project progresses seven (7) items/properties were affected which was assessed at the compensation value of N35,062,500.00. The routine nature of the request prompted Council to approve the release of the sum N35,062,500.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable payment of compensation for the seven(7) properties affected by the cited project. b) Presentation of report and request for funds to enable creation of land Information System (LIS) at KANGIS;The Kano Geographic information System (KNGIS) was successfully established courtesy of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE . Nevertheless, creation of Land Information System (LIS) is still technically required for which relevant reasons were submitted to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N56,082,270.00 to enable creation of the (LIS) at KANGIS. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested . 8. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for funds to enable provision of required materials for effective running of the merged AWS training Schools. The Ministry of Water Resources complied with the instruction to merge the Assistant works Superintend School (AWS) as

63 contained in the Executive Council Extract No CAD/EXCO/21/ i/157. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N8,169 378.00 to enable provision of the requirements for effective running of the merged schools. Council noted the presentation and approved as requested. 9. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT. a) Request for funds to enable reactivation of 50km ShelterBelt Spanning Seven (7) locations:The Kano State Afforestation Project (KNAP) submitted the request which was endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and presented to Council for consideration. Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N13,720,345.00 to enable reactivation of Shelterbelts at seven (7) locations as follows; Yan Kamaye= 5km; Sabon Garin Ginzo = 5km; Tattarawa = 10km; Marke = 10km; Romi =6km, Fagwalo =10 and Kiyawa = 4km = 50km. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. b) Request for funds for enrichment planting of three (3) deforested forests in Kano State:KNAP proposed to establish 30 hectares of enrichment planting of three (3) denuded communal forest areas located at Pacha in Kibiya LGCA, Danzabuwa and Saye in Bichi LGCA. The endeavor will certainly increase the vegetation cover in Kano State and the two (2) LGCAS in particular. Council appraised the details presented and approved execution of the project at two (2) of the three (3) locations. Accordingly, Council considered and approved for the release of the sum of N9,769,690.00 to facilitate the execution of the project at two (2) locations. 10.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, AND CULTURE a) Presentation of Action Plan for the Commencement of Training at Kano Development Journalism Institute:The Kano Development Journalism Institute is one of the twenty two (22) skills acquisition institutes established under the present administration . In this respect a six (6) items action plan to that effect was presented to Council for consideration from the Institute which was endorsed by the Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture. The Action Plan was critically appraised and approved for execution as it stands. b) Presentation of report on the formation of Kano State Information Centre on the Ebola Virus Disease:The Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture submitted this presentation to Council for consideration in response to the current International concern on the unfortunate outbreak of the Ebola Virus disease. Reportedly, a meeting was convened among the organisation assigned with the statutory responsibility to sensitize the public on the true situation regarding the menace. Seven (7) resolutions were attained. Details were presented along with the following two (2) notations for consideration by Council. viii. Council was notified that a meeting was convened with all media executives in Kano State with a view to sensitizing them on the Ebola Virus Disease in the effort to control its outbreak and spread through effective and adequate media sensitization campaign. ix. Council was notified that a jingle produced by the State Emergency preparedness Response (EPR) Committee was distributed to all media organizations. The jingle currently saturates the airwaves while a one hour discussions/phone-in programmes are presented as Corporate Social Responsibility by the Media Organisations since Friday 8th August, 2014. In this vein, Council was requested to consider and approve the establishment of the Kano State Information Centre on the Ebola Virus Disease according to the details presented. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. 11.

MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Presentation of report on the successful completion of the 3rd Batch Training/Empowerment of 500 Less Privileged Women (LPW) and request for funds to support the bereaved family of Late M. Saadatu Adamu:The 3 rd Batch Training/Empowerment of 500 Less Privileged Women (LPW) was successfully completed along the commendable lines of the Empowerment Policy of the present administration. The following three (3) notations were presented to Council for consideration:i. 1,500 Less Privileged Women benefited from the three (3) batches of Training under this programme. ii. One of the trainees (Mallama Sa’adatu Adamu) from Shanono LGCA unfortunately lost her life in a motor accident at the venue of the programme. iii. The LPW empowerment programme is increasingly popular and the categories of LPW is on the increase calling for more increase in the number of targeted beneficiaries in future programmes. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of the sum of N250,000.00 to support the bereaved family of Late Mal. Sa’adatu Adamu and commiserate with them. MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET 12. Presentation of update on the take-off of the World Bank/EU Assisted Project on Public Expenditure Management and Accountability in Public Service;The Ministry of Planning and Budget informed Council on the approval granted for the setting up of the Kano State Steering and Technical Committee on the take-off of the Project tagged “State and Local Government Reform Project” (SLOGOR). The project focuses on reforming internal revenue generation administration; planning/budgeting; accounting/auditing; public account committee capacity building and human resource management. Six (6) States are targeted in Nigeria which include Anambra, Cross Rivers, Kano, Osun, Yobe and Jigawa to benefit a total sum of Euro 54,990,000.00 in five years at Euro 9,165,000.00 each. Council was notified of five (5) pre-requisites to be fulfilled by each of the six (6) participating States and assured that Kano State fulfills them. Details were presented for consideration. Again, nine (9) notations were forwarded on the issue of which the following two (2) were emphasized. i. That the World Bank forwarded five (5) draft documents to guide the operation of the SLOGOR project in the beneficiary States. ii. That the beneficiary States are to study the documents especially the “Project Appraisal Document” (PAD) and submit comments and observations during the negotiation meeting.

Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, COOPERATIVES AND TOURISM a) Presentation of additional information on the adoption of Fire Alert System for Prevention of Loss of Lives and property as well as increasing internally generated revenue:13.

Council was informed through the contents of this memorandum, of the submission of a memorandum concerning a proposal from 2Toc Solution Company which concerns the adoption of fire alert system in our markets. The project involves installation of a device known as SMOKCOMM in every building and shop in the markets. The device detects smoke at the infancy stage of a fire and immediately alerts the owner, the fire service and the nearest Police Station. Council directed for the endorsement of the Traders Associations in the respective markets pending any action on the proposal. Executive Council Extract No. CAD/EX/15/I/128 substantiates this. The directive was complied with by the Ministry of Commerce consequent to which a discussion was held with 2Toc Solution Company which yielded the submission of additional information on the issue. Thus; i. In the event of technical failure of the SMOKCOMM device, compensation to the tune of 50% of goods in the installed location can be provided by the company depending on the compensation category. ii. The company is experienced in the project based on appraised evidences of collaboration with the Federal Fire Service and Ministry of Interior. iii. The concept was discussed with the Traders Association in three (3) markets (Sabon Gari, Kurmi and Kantin Kwari). iv. Formal acceptance letters endorsed by the Chairmen of the Traders Associations in the three (3) markets were presented for consideration. Council acknowledged the presentation and endorsed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the company and the State Government. b) Presentation of brief on the request for official opening of Live Bird Market (LBM) at Kurmi Market:The genesis and comprehensive history of the brief on Kurmi Live Bird Market and request were submitted to Council along with the request for approval to be granted for the opening of the potentially beneficial project. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as follows:i. The project (LBM) be opened. ii. The opening ceremony be Chaired by the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner for Local Governments in the company of the Hon. Commissioners for Commerce and Information. 14. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Presentation of a proposal on convening the Kano Economic and Investment Summit 2014 (23rd – 24th September, 2014):The Ministry of Finance endorsed the proposal originally submitted by MICC Consult and presented it to council for consideration. Tenable reasons that make convening the summit essential to the current investment policy of the present administration were forwarded. Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 162ND EXCO SITTING VISIT TO SUDAN AND EGYPT TO STUDENTS ON STATE SPONSORSHIP His Excellency Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso lead a delegation to visit Kano State sponsored students on August 6, to Sudan and Cairo Iman Egpyt. In Sudan the delegation was well received by the Governor of Khartoum. 99Students are being sponsored by the Government to study Medicine and Pharmacy at a total cost of $1,600,000.00 while 90 students are being sponsored in Egypt to study Medicine (MBBS) and Bsc Nursing at a total sum of $1,200,000.00. The two events were covered live on Radio Kano fir the parents and good people of Kano to hear directly from their wards. CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WORLD YOUTH DAY IN THE STATE Council acknowledged the successful conduct of the International World Youth Day – 12th of August, 2014 with the Theme of this year’s celebration tagged “Mental Health” in the State. Kano State has been in the fore front fighting drug abuse. So far, Government has destroyed over N3billion illicit and fake drugs and fortified the State Rehabilitation Center at Kiru where it has rehabilitated/graduated about 500 drug addicts who have been given various empowerment packages. SIGNING OF AN MOU BETWEEN 2TOC SOLUTION COMPANY LTD AND STATE GOVERNMENT Council witnessed the successful signing of an MoU between the 2Toc Solution Company Ltd and Ministry of Commerce and State Fire Service towards preventing fire outbreaks at major markets within the metropolitan city using mobile system. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS 1. An award to the Governor by the Kwankwasiyya Nigeria Amana located at Plateau State. 2.

An award to the Governor by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planning at Abuja as “Pace Setter of Nigerian Town Planning.

SIGNED: HON. COMMISSIONER, INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS & CULTURE, KANO STATE

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2,942

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

WO events happened recently to serve as a parable of caution. They included the people’s victory in the recently concluded election that lofted Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for a second term as governor of Osun State. The second was Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura’s humiliation of the House of Assembly in the bid to install the hangman’s noose called impeachment. Both victories are a cautionary tale. They warn that the people should not be taken for granted. In both instances, two trends were halted. In the case of Osun State, Ogbeni’s victory rolled back the PDP’s machine of rigging and brigandage. In Nasarawa State, Al-Makura’s steadfast cunning and the people’s resistance reined in the contagion of occupation by impeachment. Both weapons by Dr. Jonathan’s PDP took the country with a force of defiance. They hid under the law, even when it was obvious that they acted like gangsters. The tragedy was that they used the law to foist their iniquity on the people. It is like T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral. In Osun State, they mobilised all the armed forces. The military has chafed under the rogue firepower and unremitting onslaughts of Boko Haram. But against a vulnerable citizenry, they acted like class bullies. They did it in Ekiti State and went away with it. Buoyed by their victory, they beat their chests and rolled into Osun State. The idea was to rig by fear. But the people had not guns, but guts. However, they had the volley of vote. They were vigilant and set their eyes against any evidence of manipulation. The soldiers arrested chieftains of the APC and could not even exercise a veneer of pretence with token arrests of some PDP men. They lacked the tact and subterfuge of a clever cheat. We heard their muscles crackle as they bared their hairy chests. Yet, in Iyiola Omisore’s stronghold of Ife, the soldiers, including our hooded guests of barbaric honour, drove the agents of the APC out of town. We are left with the figures that they presented to the world. We may never know, given the number he reportedly polled, whether Omisore was that popular. If he was, the military has lost the moral authority to stamp it as truth, if as fact. In spite of their moves, the people’s vigilance made the point. The lesson from the Osun State election is that when the people stand by you, no level of institutional force can hold sway and legitimate law by terror. Some commentators have wondered whether President Jonathan can have that much hauteur to inundate all states with soldiers in 2015. In Osun and Ekiti states, it was easy to overwhelm the people with

RIPPLES

I’M TIRED OF MY WIFE’S TROUBLES-Man seeking divorce tells court

Accept those TROUBLES and you are not far from HYPERTENSION.

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

Limits of force

•Aregbesola

•Amaechi

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The military has chafed under the rogue firepower and unremitting onslaughts of Boko Haram. But against a vulnerable citizenry, they acted like class bullies •Al-Makura

forces. There was massive army recruitment across the country. Some said it was against

’

the terror of Boko Haram. Could that also by a vicarious preparation for military saturation of the country for 2015? Killing two birds with an army shot? Could it be a

HARDBALL

ARDBALL cannot tell when the SSS transited to DSS. More intriguingly, he cannot determine if the change of name has brought about its seeming change of character but there must be some correlation. Now some perspective to the proposition: in those days not quite long ago, when SSS meant State Security Service (or secret service), it was an elite corps, a formidable and, sometimes, forbidding national intelligence service whose mere name evoked awe and trepidation. To point out someone as being an SSS man (or woman) immediately marked him out as someone extraordinary, if not superhuman, who knew so much more than any other. And there was no art to tell him apart unless some other knowing person revealed his identity. It was a great cult that could claim the three O’s (omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient), except that they too also used the small room! They were always dressed in suits under which their small pistols were well concealed. Men of the service were always quiet and sober, if not cold and menacing. They were self-effacing and not easily identifiable. They seemed highly trained to

case of concentrating the forces in the strategic electoral terrain in the country for mega-votes? Time will tell. Questions still abound. What if the difference between the winner and loser is marginal, how can we trust the result if it is rigged in favour of the loser? That explodes the often referenced point that you cannot rig where you are not popular. It is only when your heart throbs as one with the vast majority that rigging is mincemeat. Even at that, it is possible when the voters are quiescent. In a Nigeria of cynical citizenry, that still poses a challenge. In Nassarawa State, it was a case of the governor and the people versus the lawmakers. They set a machinery in process and retreated shamefully. They claimed that the panel set up by the chief judge was compromised because two of the panelists were card-carrying members of the lawmakers’ party, the PDP. So they railed against the constitution. As lawmakers, why did they not believe in the law and go to court? They became lawless men of law, subversive, servile to a poor conscience, trying to torpedo the very essence of their existence. The people flew into a ferment of rage and made no mistake as to whose side they pitched their tent. In this rent-a-crowd generation, the spontaneous fervor of the Nasarawa street reignited hope of an innocent crowd. The PDP said they had nothing to do with it. Yet in statement after statement, they backed the lawmakers. Hypocrisy? Yes. Impunity? Bigger Yes. They had done it in Rivers State and Governor Rotimi Amaechi was in tune with the lawmakers. What we have is a minority of law-makers who want to fetter the law by impeaching with a measly numbers. Sleight of hand failed. Stealth went sour. The heavy hand of the centre scented the state with unrest. Recently, Governor Amaechi’s tour to the contentious Obio/Akpor Local Government Area melted into a maelstrom of melee, leading to filicidal and patricidal bloodbath; father and sons waging war to the death. I think of Samuel Beckett, the playwright and poet of spare and rare genius. Among other masterpieces, he wrote Waiting For Godot and End Game, two plays that the PDP thinkers might need to read, if they have not. This Nobel-prize winning works show that the powerful can get into a fruitless rigmarole in their push to win. And their end game is futile, and like the characters of the play, they will become crippled, blind, either unable to sit or unable to stand. That is what the impeachment contagion and the rigging mania have shown. The PDP suddenly became handicapped. They should turn to the people as Ogbeni, Al-Makura and Amaechi. Not in the perversion of the law.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Marilyn! Marinating the DSS be most efficient with their hands and their minds; seeing without being seen, observing without being observed and forever gathering and analysing information. It seemed a most sacred duty; they were like the mystic third eye that never blinks while watching over the empire. Not anymore. Today, the corps has quietly transmuted to what is now known as DSS: Department of State Security. Maybe to take after the US but what’s in a name? What seems to tingle is that they have also taken on a fresh attitude. They have become brusquer, as if trying to be a combatant force; as if fighting for space, for survival among the assortment of Nigeria’s regimented forces. They first started by wearing lapel badges, a quiet, distant identification. Then they began to don that plebeian vest (the type the Lord’s Chosen sect are wont to wearing) with DSS emblazoned on it. But the message they really send is: beware! DSS, the superior force is here. They seem to corroborate this with the fat, fearsome rifles they bear.

Hardball must fess up that they actually look really menacing, if that is the impression they sought to make. But they have even gone one up. According to Ms Marilyn Ogar, the service’s spokeswoman (now they have a highly visible (and beautiful) face too), operatives now dress up in military camouflage with hood to boot as we witnessed in Osun during the recent election. Ms Ogar explained that the hood was necessary because the highly sensitive duty for fatherland required it. Oh what a piteous state we have found ourselves now! Madam seems to have it all mixed up or marinated if you love kitchen metaphors. She had so much motherly words for some nameless politicians who weep because her operatives could not be bribed! Oh dear, what a calamity. So much to say, but let’s just sum it up that this DSS has been so marinated in the delicious sauce of politics and the presidency, we may have lost our secret service. Any wonder the Boko Haram rascals cannot be sniffed out of their holes?

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